Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, and investigate causes of fires.
Is fire inspectors and investigators a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #344 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($75,920)
Possible tradeoffs
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What fire inspectors and investigators earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. fire inspectors and investigators earn between $58,690 and $95,120 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live fire inspectors and investigators jobs
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Fire inspectors’ education requirements vary, but most need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some need postsecondary instruction, such as that required for emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a 2- or 4-year degree in fire science or a field related to the position. For example, fire investigators might have a degree in criminal justice, and forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists might have a degree in forestry or forest management. In some cases, postsecondary education may substitute for work experience.
Training
Training requirements for fire inspectors vary. Programs are available through employers, federal agencies, and professional organizations and usually include both technical instruction and on-the-job training.
Technical instruction often takes place over several months at a fire or police academy. Topics covered include inspection or investigation processes, legal codes, courtroom procedures, hazardous and explosive materials handling protocol, and proper use of equipment.
After inspectors and investigators complete technical instruction, they typically also receive on-the-job training, during which they work with an experienced inspector or investigator.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Requirements for licensure or certification vary by state or locality. Check with your state licensing agency or local fire department
Fire investigators also may choose to pursue more certification from a nationally recognized professional association.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Fire inspectors must clearly explain fire code violations to building and property managers. Fire investigators must thoroughly interview witnesses, including those who may be distressed or uncooperative, as part of their factfinding mission.
Critical-thinking skills. Fire investigators must be able to analyze evidence from a fire and come to a reasonable conclusion.
Detail oriented. Fire inspectors must notice minutiae when inspecting sites for code violations or fire risks or for investigating the cause of a fire.
Physical stamina. Fire investigators may be required to sort through debris at the scene of a fire for long periods, often while wearing heavy or uncomfortable protective gear.
Physical strength. Fire investigators may have to move debris at the site of a fire in order to get a more accurate understanding of the scene.
Problem-solving skills. Fire inspectors must be able to recognize code violations and fire risks and recommend a way to fix them.
Related occupations
How much do fire inspectors and investigators make?
The national median wage is $75,920 a year, with the middle half earning between $58,690 and $95,120 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is fire inspectors and investigators a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #344 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a fire inspectors and investigator?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do fire inspectors and investigators earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($122,900). Local pay for every state and metro is below.