How to become fire inspectors and investigatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$75,920
25th–75th pct. $58,690–$95,120
Top pay (est.)
$154,400
Top 10% $118,750
Pay in 5 years
$88,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$103,500est.
$89,000–$120,100
Outlook score
66/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
32%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
1,600 openings / yr
How to become fire inspectors and investigators
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionSpeech Recognition
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as fire inspectors and investigators
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.