Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
Median pay: $75,920/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
• Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
• Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
• Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
• Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
• Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
• Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
• Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
What's the median pay for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
The median pay for Fire Inspectors and Investigators is $75,920 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Employment for Fire Inspectors and Investigators is projected to change +3.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How many job openings are there each year for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.