Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Fire inspectors and investigators examine buildings for fire hazards and ensure compliance with local fire codes and state regulations. Others investigate fires and explosions after they occur to determine what caused them. This work takes place in offices, fire stations, and at various building sites throughout communities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fire inspectors and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling and conducting inspections at commercial buildings, apartments, warehouses, and other properties to check for code violations. Inspectors document hazards, interview occupants, and prepare reports. Investigators spend time at fire scenes collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing building plans, and writing detailed reports on fire origins and causes. Both roles include time in offices reviewing records and communicating findings.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be methodical and detail-oriented, preferring structured environments and clear procedures. You're comfortable following regulations and want practical work that directly protects public safety. You value concrete results and hands-on problem-solving over abstract theory.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts · $63052–$81965
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · U.S. Marine Corps · Twentynine Palms, California · $58827–$84689
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · Pacific Air Forces · Eielson AFB, Alaska · $84439–$109777
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · Air Education and Training Command · Altus AFB, Oklahoma · $55882–$72644
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Point Loma Complex, San Diego, California · $63835–$82983
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · Air Force Global Strike Command · Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota · $55882–$72644
- FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTOR · United States Space Force · Buckley AFB, Colorado · $83265–$108251
- Supervisory Fire Protection Inspector · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Bliss, Texas · $61722–$80243
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $95,640 | $122,900 | $130,740 | 380 |
| Oregon | $68,230 | $115,080 | $127,660 | — |
| California | $79,370 | $99,230 | $122,730 | 1,350 |
| Maryland | $79,640 | $98,730 | $100,990 | 270 |
| Nevada | $78,420 | $93,450 | $104,260 | 190 |
| Colorado | $79,260 | $85,750 | $99,280 | — |
| Minnesota | $69,540 | $84,410 | $96,920 | 230 |
| Texas | $69,370 | $82,390 | $94,710 | 1,030 |
| Iowa | $54,310 | $81,860 | $95,760 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | $71,820 | $81,140 | $97,510 | 200 |
| Connecticut | $60,460 | $80,490 | $97,830 | 420 |
| North Dakota | $70,130 | $80,320 | $84,930 | 40 |
All 43 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fire Inspector I — International Code Council
- Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) — International Association of Arson Investigators
- Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector/Plans Examiner (RF) — International Code Council
- Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I) — National Fire Protection Association
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) — National Association of Fire Investigators
- Certified Residential Fire Alarm Inspector (CRFAI) — Electronic Security Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fire inspectors and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.