Fire inspectors and investigators
SOC Code: 33-2021Also known as:
Alarm Inspector, Alarm Sprinkler Inspector, Arson and Bomb Investigator, Arson Investigator, Bomb Investigator
Median Annual Salary
$78,060
+3.8% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
15K
Current Jobs
What Fire inspectors and investigators Do
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
$78,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
14,700
Projected Employment (2034)
15,200
Related Careers
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
$109,660 •
+4.4% growth
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
$92,430 •
+3.4% growth
Firefighters
$59,530 •
+3.4% growth
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
$52,380 •
+14.6% growth
Construction and building inspectors
$72,120 •
-0.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Fire inspectors and investigators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a fire inspectors and investigators:
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
9,863 degrees awarded •
274 colleges offer this program
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician
3,350 degrees awarded •
139 colleges offer this program
Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention
69 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Fire inspectors and investigators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become fire inspectors and investigators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 65 | A |
| 2 | Knox County Career Center | Mount Vernon, OH | 75 | B |
| 3 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | 70 | B |
| 4 | Manatee Technical College | Bradenton, FL | 58 | B |
| 5 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | 49 | B |
| 6 | Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA | 420 | C+ |
| 7 | Shasta College | Redding, CA | 287 | C+ |
| 8 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 255 | C+ |
| 9 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 219 | C+ |
| 10 | Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | 190 | C+ |
| 11 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | 177 | C+ |
| 12 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 171 | C+ |
| 13 | First Coast Technical College | Saint Augustine, FL | 134 | C+ |
| 14 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | 124 | C+ |
| 15 | Marion Technical College | Ocala, FL | 117 | C+ |
| 16 | Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | 117 | C+ |
| 17 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | 106 | C+ |
| 18 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | 101 | C+ |
| 19 | Sierra College | Rocklin, CA | 98 | C+ |
| 20 | Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | 97 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fire inspectors and investigators make?
The median annual salary for fire inspectors and investigators is $78,060.
What education do fire inspectors and investigators need?
Most fire inspectors and investigators positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Fire Science/Fire-fighting, Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician, Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention.
Is becoming fire inspectors and investigators a good career choice?
Fire inspectors and investigators is projected to see +3.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fire inspectors and investigators?
Top colleges for aspiring fire inspectors and investigators include
University of Florida, Knox County Career Center, Eastern Florida State College, Manatee Technical College, Eastern Kentucky University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to fire inspectors and investigators?
Fire inspectors and investigators may also be known as: Alarm Inspector, Alarm Sprinkler Inspector, Arson and Bomb Investigator, Arson Investigator, Bomb Investigator, Building Inspector, Canine Handler (K9 Handler), Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI), Code Official, Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Inspector, Fire Alarm Inspector, Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech), Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech), Fire and Explosion Investigator, Fire Code Inspector, Fire Equipment Inspector, Fire Extinguisher Inspector, Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.