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.
Common Job Titles
- Arson Investigator
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Prevention Inspector
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate building fire safety systems and structural compliance against local ordinances and state fire codes, working independently in commercial and residential settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze fire and explosion scenes to determine origin and cause using evidence collection techniques, gas chromatographs, and spectroscopes under potentially hazardous conditions.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform comprehensive building inspections using detection equipment, measuring tools, and safety gear to assess fire hazards and suppression systems.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret fire codes, building plans, and regulatory requirements for property owners and contractors during compliance consultations.Proficient
- MindsetEngage with building owners, occupants, and emergency response personnel to promote fire safety awareness and resolve compliance issues professionally.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate specialized detection equipment including multigas detectors, photoionization detectors, and thermal imaging devices during field investigations and building assessments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess fire suppression systems, detection systems, and emergency egress routes in diverse building types, applying knowledge of building construction and mechanical systems.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for public safety and fire prevention measures through community education, training programs, and enforcement of fire safety standards.Proficient
- KnowledgePrepare detailed inspection reports and investigation documentation using computer systems and National Fire Incident Reporting System, following regulatory documentation standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply chemistry and physics principles to fire behavior analysis when investigating combustion patterns, accelerant use, and material reactions at fire scenes.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fire Inspectors and Investigators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
14,050
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,580. 25th percentile: U.S. $60,700. 50th percentile: U.S. $78,060. 75th percentile: U.S. $105,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $149,870. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,580 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $149,870 |
| Workers on average earn | $87,440 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Building and Construction4.2/5
- Law and Government4.1/5
- Education and Training4.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Code database software
- Consolidated Model of Fire and Smoke Transport CFAST
- Email software
- Fire Dynamics Software FDS
- National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS
- Web browser software
- Xerox Government systems FIREHOUSE Software
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable pipe wrenches
- Ball peen hammers
- Ballistic vests
- Bar levels
- Battery analyzers
- Battery powered smoke detectors