How much does a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist make?
The median forest fire inspector and prevention specialist in the United States earns $52,380 per year, about $25.19 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 33-2022.
Forest fire inspector and prevention specialist salary range
Pay for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $33,590 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $100,450. The average (mean) wage of $61,820 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 | $33,590 | $16.15 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $41,000 | $19.71 | |
| Median (50th) | $52,380 | $25.19 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $77,780 | $37.39 | |
| 90th percentile | $100,450 | $48.29 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists (SOC 33-2022), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Forest fire inspector and prevention specialist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists earn the most in California at $90,290 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $26,460. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $90,290 | 290 |
| Oklahoma | $79,350 | 330 |
| Utah | $77,480 | 60 |
| Louisiana | $74,650 | 70 |
| Oregon | $70,910 | 110 |
| Maine | $66,310 | 60 |
| New Jersey | $57,950 | 130 |
| Colorado | $53,500 | 190 |
| Washington | $51,370 | N/A |
| Florida | $48,900 | 70 |
| Georgia | $46,170 | 350 |
| Arkansas | $42,260 | 140 |
| Alabama | $34,920 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $26,460 | 90 |
State median wages for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists (SOC 33-2022), 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 forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
The BLS projects employment of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists to grow 13.1% from 2025 to 2035. That is much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 3,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 3,400 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 400 openings a year for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists. 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 forest fire inspector and prevention specialist
The typical entry-level education for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect less than 5 years 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 forest fire inspector and prevention specialist 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 (California, $90,290) and the lowest (Mississippi, $26,460) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,780 people work as forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists in the United States. At $52,380 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Forest fire inspector and prevention specialist salary FAQ
How much does a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist is $25.19. The middle half of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists earn between $19.71 and $37.39 per hour.
What is the highest forest fire inspector and prevention specialist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists earn more than $100,450 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist make a year?
The median annual salary for a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist is $52,380. The average (mean) wage of $61,820 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 forest fire inspector and prevention specialist a well paid job?
At $52,380 a year, a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,780 people work as forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists in the United States.
Which state pays forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists the most?
California has the highest median salary for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists at $90,290 a year. Oklahoma ($79,350) and Utah ($77,480) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist a good career?
Employment of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is projected to grow 13.1% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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