All careers › Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Fire inspector: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $46,530lowest 10% earn less
- $58,69025th percentile
- $75,920median
- $95,12075th percentile
- $118,750top 10% earn more
Fire inspectors and investigators earned a median of $75,920 a year, above the $50,980 median for all occupations[1][2]. Entry usually calls for several years of related experience, and employment is projected to grow a little faster than for all occupations[3][4][5].
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +4.2%[4]
- Openings per year
- 1,600[7]
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award[3]
How much do fire inspectors make?
The median pay for a fire inspector was $75,920 a year, or $36.50 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was $78,670 a year, or $37.82 an hour[8]. For all occupations in the US, the median was $50,980[2].
The pay range is wide. Annual wage percentiles looked like this[6]:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th[6][9] | $46,530 | $22.37 |
| 25th[6][9] | $58,690 | $28.22 |
| Median[1] | $75,920 | $36.50 |
| 75th[6][9] | $95,120 | $45.73 |
| 90th[6][9] | $118,750 | $57.09 |
A percentile is a boundary. The lowest-paid 10% of workers earned less than $46,530[6]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[10]. These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed and do not count bonuses or benefits[11]. About 13,800 people held these jobs[12].
Pay by state and city
Washington had the highest state median at $122,900, followed by Oregon at $115,080 and California at $99,230[13]. Oklahoma had the lowest median among the 43 states with published data, at $37,320[13].
The most jobs were in California (1,350), New Jersey (1,290), New York (1,200), Florida (1,060) and Texas (1,030)[14].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont had the highest median at $129,410, then Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at $127,920[15]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, 1,720, with a median of $65,710[16].
Show median pay in 43 states
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Washington[13] | $122,900 | 380 |
| Oregon | $115,080 | n/a |
| California | $99,230 | 1,350 |
| Maryland | $98,730 | 270 |
| Nevada | $93,450 | 190 |
| Colorado | $85,750 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $84,410 | 230 |
| Texas | $82,390 | 1,030 |
| Iowa | $81,860 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | $81,140 | 200 |
| Connecticut | $80,490 | 420 |
| North Dakota | $80,320 | 40 |
| Alabama | $78,110 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $78,100 | 50 |
| Michigan | $77,460 | 250 |
| Missouri | $77,240 | 110 |
| Nebraska | $76,770 | 60 |
| Florida | $75,660 | 1,060 |
| New Hampshire | $75,230 | 50 |
| Arizona | $74,780 | 240 |
| New York | $73,920 | 1,200 |
| Indiana | $73,340 | 200 |
| Idaho | $72,810 | 30 |
| Utah | $72,760 | 60 |
| Virginia | $70,460 | 100 |
| North Carolina | $66,820 | 870 |
| Wisconsin | $66,600 | 160 |
| Louisiana | $64,820 | 80 |
| New Mexico | $64,680 | 160 |
| Georgia | $64,550 | 300 |
| Kansas | $64,290 | 90 |
| Tennessee | $63,400 | 390 |
| Illinois | $62,400 | 440 |
| South Carolina | $61,890 | 110 |
| New Jersey | $60,100 | 1,290 |
| Ohio | $59,280 | 520 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,080 | 280 |
| Maine | $58,240 | n/a |
| Arkansas | $57,990 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $55,970 | 100 |
| Mississippi | $55,260 | 140 |
| West Virginia | $52,490 | 70 |
| Oklahoma | $37,320 | 160 |
How to become a fire inspector
The training details here come from a profile that covers a wider group of occupations than this one[17].
- First: get work experience. Fire inspectors typically need several years as a firefighter or in a related field, such as building inspection or law enforcement[18]. BLS projections list 5 years or more of related experience[3].
- Next: meet the education bar. Requirements vary, and a high school diploma or equivalent is the usual minimum[19]. BLS projections list a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education[3]. Employers may prefer candidates with a two-year or four-year degree in fire science or a related subject[20].
- Then: complete training. Programs come through employers, federal agencies and professional organizations[21]. Classroom instruction often lasts several months at an academy, followed by on-the-job work beside an experienced inspector[22][23].
Candidates usually must pass a background check, and employers typically want a valid driver's license[24]. Because of police powers, some jobs may require U.S. citizenship, and certification may be needed[24]. Licensing and certification rules differ by state or locality, so check with your state agency or local fire department[25]. Fire investigators can also pursue extra certification from a national professional association[26].
In an O*NET survey of 48 workers, 27% said a post-secondary certificate was required, 26% said some college courses, and 23% said a high school diploma or equivalent[27].
What fire inspectors do
Fire inspectors check buildings for fire hazards and enforce fire codes. Fire investigators work out what caused fires and explosions[28]. Common tasks include[29]:
- Write and keep reports on investigation results.
- Testify in court in cases involving fires, suspected arson and false alarms.
- Collect and pack evidence from fire sites.
- Photograph damage and evidence.
- Inspect buildings for code violations, such as blocked exits or wiring problems.
- Test newly installed fire protection systems.
- Follow up to confirm that violations were corrected.
- Teach children about fire dangers.
Good communication matters, since inspectors explain violations to building managers and investigators interview witnesses[30]. Investigators also need to analyze evidence and reach a reasonable conclusion[31].
Where they work
Local government employed 70% of fire inspectors in 2025[32]. The work mixes office time with site visits to places such as apartment complexes and industrial plants[33]. On site, inspectors may face smoke and fumes, and may wear protective gear. Some wear fully enclosed suits for hours, which can be physically demanding[34].
Most fire inspectors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week[35]. Schedules may include evenings, weekends and holidays[35].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 14,700 to 15,300 jobs[4]. That is a gain of about 600 jobs[4]. For all occupations the projected growth is 3.5%[5]. These counts include self-employed workers[4].
About 1,600 openings are projected each year on average[7]. Openings count both new jobs and spots left by workers who retire or switch occupations[7]. Each year, 3.3% of workers leave the labor force and 6.8% move to a different occupation[36].
Is it a good fit?
The pay is above the all-occupations median, and growth is slightly faster than average[1][2][4][5]. The path is not quick, since BLS lists 5 years or more of related experience[3]. The facts suggest it suits people who already have firefighting or related experience and who are fine with site visits, protective gear and irregular hours[18][34][35]. It is also a small field, with about 13,800 wage and salary jobs[12].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a fire inspector make an hour?
- The median was $36.50 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $37.82[1][8].
- What is the highest paying state for fire inspectors?
- Washington, with a median of $122,900, followed by Oregon at $115,080[13].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in the US was $75,920 per year and $36.50 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Fire Inspectors and Investigators: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: 5 years or more; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Fire Inspectors and Investigators is projected to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 14,700 to 15,300 jobs (a change of +600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Fire Inspectors and Investigators: 10th percentile $46,530, 25th percentile $58,690, 75th percentile $95,120, 90th percentile $118,750. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 1,600 openings for Fire Inspectors and Investigators are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Fire Inspectors and Investigators was $78,670 per year and $37.82 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Fire Inspectors and Investigators: 10th percentile $22.37, 25th percentile $28.22, 75th percentile $45.73, 90th percentile $57.09. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 13,800 people were employed as Fire Inspectors and Investigators in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Fire Inspectors and Investigators jobs: California 1,350; New Jersey 1,290; New York 1,200; Florida 1,060; Texas 1,030. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Fire Inspectors and Investigators (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $129,410; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $127,920; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $107,690; Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $99,580; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $98,730; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $94,690; Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV $93,450; Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $88,260. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Fire Inspectors and Investigators jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 1,720 (median $65,710); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 410 (median $82,390); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 350 (median $62,400); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 350 (median $88,260); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 330 (median $59,080); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 290 (median $94,690). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Fire Inspectors" covers Fire Inspectors and Investigators together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 33-2021.00 survey of workers (48 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 27%, Some College Courses 26%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 23%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 13%, Less than a High School Diploma 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- O*NET description of Fire Inspectors and Investigators. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Fire Inspectors and Investigators. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of fire inspectors in 2025: Local government, excluding education and hospitals 70%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Fire Inspectors and Investigators: 3.3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.8% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.