Fire Inspectors and Investigators
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,230 | $24.63 | ||
| Alaska | 30 | $73,910 | $35.54 | |
| Arizona | 180 | $62,170 | $29.89 | |
| California | 1,200 | $77,100 | $37.07 | |
| Colorado | 130 | $78,590 | $37.78 | |
| Connecticut | 330 | $83,440 | $40.12 | |
| Delaware | 130 | $54,750 | $26.32 | |
| District of Columbia | 60 | $87,580 | $42.11 | |
| Florida | 2,330 | $66,530 | $31.98 | |
| Georgia | 450 | $58,400 | $28.08 | |
| Idaho | 50 | $111,910 | $53.80 | |
| Illinois | 830 | $88,730 | $42.66 | |
| Indiana | 190 | $58,480 | $28.11 | |
| Iowa | 100 | $98,750 | $47.48 | |
| Kansas | 80 | $61,040 | $29.35 | |
| Kentucky | 100 | $58,660 | $28.20 | |
| Louisiana | 70 | $68,980 | $33.17 | |
| Maine | 110 | $50,960 | $24.50 | |
| Maryland | 130 | $67,010 | $32.22 | |
| Massachusetts | 70 | $74,690 | $35.91 | |
| Michigan | 660 | $59,680 | $28.69 | |
| Minnesota | 170 | $80,300 | $38.60 | |
| Mississippi | 40 | $51,110 | $24.57 | |
| Missouri | 110 | $66,520 | $31.98 | |
| Nevada | 140 | $85,110 | $40.92 | |
| New Hampshire | 50 | $67,520 | $32.46 | |
| New Jersey | 850 | $66,630 | $32.04 | |
| New Mexico | 40 | $54,150 | $26.03 | |
| New York | 1,380 | $72,150 | $34.69 | |
| North Carolina | 550 | $59,910 | $28.80 | |
| Ohio | 620 | $83,470 | $40.13 | |
| Oregon | 120 | $104,240 | $50.12 | |
| Pennsylvania | 200 | $56,270 | $27.06 | |
| Rhode Island | 60 | $68,800 | $33.08 | |
| South Carolina | 80 | $55,860 | $26.85 | |
| Tennessee | 360 | $60,630 | $29.15 | |
| Texas | 900 | $66,110 | $31.79 | |
| Utah | 70 | $69,650 | $33.49 | |
| Virginia | 200 | $69,720 | $33.52 | |
| Washington | 250 | $99,340 | $47.76 | |
| West Virginia | 80 | $44,350 | $21.32 | |
| Wisconsin | 210 | $59,870 | $28.79 | |
| Wyoming | 50 | $48,500 | $23.32 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program focusing on the application of fire science and technology to problems of reducing fire risk, limiting loss, supervising substance removal, conducting safety inspections and investigations, and advising on matters of safety procedures and fire prevention policy. Includes instruction in fire behavior, fire simulation, structural risk assessment, materials analysis, detection and suppression systems, smoke management, supply and evacuation, public education, legal aspects of fire prevention, and related research and communications methods.
A program focusing on the theory and practice of fires and fire-fighting. Includes instruction in fire chemistry and physics, combustible materials, computer science, building construction, fire codes and related laws, fire hydraulics, fire command, fire prevention/inspection, fire protection systems, fire suppression systems, fire/arson investigation, occupational safety, equipment operation, emergency medicine and communications.
A program focusing on the theory and principles of fire combustion and behavior applied to the analysis of fires and their causes. Includes instruction in fire behavior and combustion, fire dynamics, hazardous materials chemistry, incendiary fire analysis, fire-related human behavior, forensic procedures, investigative techniques, case management and case preparation.
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$69,680 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Postsecondary nondegree awardTypical education requirement
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5 years or moreTypical experience requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as fire inspectors and investigators.
- Less than high school 4%
- High school graduate 21%
- College dropout 30%
- Associate’s degree 17%
- Bachelor’s degree 22%
- Master’s degree 5%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists$54,340 per year Average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Construction and Building Inspectors$68,480 per year Average salaryDecliningJob growth rate