How much does a fire inspector and investigator make?
The median fire inspector and investigator in the United States earns $78,060 per year, about $37.53 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all fire inspectors and investigators earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 33-2021.
Fire inspector and investigator salary range
Pay for fire inspectors and investigators spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $47,580 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $149,870. The average (mean) wage of $87,440 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,580 | $22.87 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $60,700 | $29.19 | |
| Median (50th) | $78,060 | $37.53 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $105,390 | $50.67 | |
| 90th percentile | $149,870 | $72.05 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for fire inspectors and investigators (SOC 33-2021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Fire inspector and investigator salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Fire inspectors and investigators earn the most in Washington at $116,950 a year, and the least in Oklahoma at $37,320. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $116,950 | 330 |
| Oregon | $115,240 | 180 |
| Colorado | $97,080 | 170 |
| California | $96,180 | 1,260 |
| Nevada | $95,870 | 190 |
| Maryland | $90,610 | 270 |
| Michigan | $86,770 | 210 |
| Massachusetts | $84,650 | 110 |
| Texas | $83,370 | 980 |
| Missouri | $83,130 | 130 |
| Minnesota | $81,200 | 160 |
| Wyoming | $77,450 | 30 |
| New Hampshire | $77,040 | 70 |
| Connecticut | $76,620 | 430 |
| North Dakota | $75,860 | 30 |
| Iowa | $75,330 | 40 |
| New York | $75,080 | 1,200 |
| Arizona | $74,900 | 210 |
| Rhode Island | $74,380 | N/A |
| Utah | $72,550 | 60 |
| Illinois | $72,400 | 210 |
| Louisiana | $71,380 | 70 |
| Vermont | $71,220 | 40 |
| Nebraska | $70,300 | 60 |
| Idaho | $70,160 | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $69,920 | 180 |
| Virginia | $69,140 | 110 |
| New Jersey | $69,090 | 900 |
| North Carolina | $68,670 | 750 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,440 | 310 |
| Indiana | $66,090 | 200 |
| Tennessee | $65,940 | 540 |
| New Mexico | $65,330 | 80 |
| Ohio | $64,790 | 510 |
| Georgia | $64,480 | 270 |
| South Carolina | $61,780 | 160 |
| Kansas | $60,380 | 90 |
| Arkansas | $58,030 | 40 |
| Delaware | $57,840 | 70 |
| Mississippi | $54,650 | 120 |
| West Virginia | $52,820 | 60 |
| Alabama | $50,810 | N/A |
| Kentucky | $50,800 | 100 |
| Maine | $45,770 | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $37,320 | 170 |
State median wages for fire inspectors and investigators (SOC 33-2021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for fire inspectors and investigators
The BLS projects employment of fire inspectors and investigators to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 14,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 15,300 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,600 openings a year for fire inspectors and investigators. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a fire inspector and investigator
The typical entry-level education for fire inspectors and investigators is a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a fire inspector and investigator earns
Employer, region, seniority, rank, and overtime shape take-home pay. Large departments, unions, and high cost areas raise the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Washington, $116,950) and the lowest (Oklahoma, $37,320) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 14,050 people work as fire inspectors and investigators in the United States. At $78,060 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Fire inspector and investigator salary FAQ
How much does a fire inspector and investigator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a fire inspector and investigator is $37.53. The middle half of fire inspectors and investigators earn between $29.19 and $50.67 per hour.
What is the highest fire inspector and investigator salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of fire inspectors and investigators earn more than $149,870 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a fire inspector and investigator make a year?
The median annual salary for a fire inspector and investigator is $78,060. The average (mean) wage of $87,440 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a fire inspector and investigator a well paid job?
At $78,060 a year, a fire inspector and investigator earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 14,050 people work as fire inspectors and investigators in the United States.
Which state pays fire inspectors and investigators the most?
Washington has the highest median salary for fire inspectors and investigators at $116,950 a year. Oregon ($115,240) and Colorado ($97,080) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a fire inspector and investigator a good career?
Employment of fire inspectors and investigators is projected to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a fire inspector and investigator?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for fire inspectors and investigators as a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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