Firefighter
Respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and hazmat incidents.
- $59,280
- 6–12 months (EMT + academy)
Safety & Environmental career
Fire Inspector
Also called: Fire Marshal · Fire Prevention Inspector · Fire Investigator · Fire Code Inspector
What fire inspectors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a fire inspector do?
Fire inspectors and investigators examine buildings to enforce fire codes, review plans and fire protection systems, and investigate fires to find their origin and cause. The median pay is $75,920 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years plus experience, and employment is projected to grow +4.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$75,920$36.50/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.2%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 years plus experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs14,700Employment, 2025
What fire inspectors do
Fire inspectors prevent fires before they start. They inspect businesses, schools, apartments and public buildings for code violations such as blocked exits, missing extinguishers and faulty alarms, review construction plans and witness tests of sprinkler and alarm systems. Fire investigators examine fire scenes, collect evidence and determine how fires started, working with police when arson is suspected.
Most inspectors and investigators start as firefighters and move into prevention after several years. Training and certification follow NFPA professional standards and ICC codes. Many work for fire departments and state fire marshal offices; others work for insurance companies and private investigation firms.
Typical duties
- Inspect buildings for fire code compliance
- Review construction plans for fire protection
- Witness tests of sprinkler, alarm and suppression systems
- Issue notices of violation and follow up
- Investigate fire origin and cause
- Collect and document evidence
- Teach fire prevention to the public and businesses
Work environment and schedule
Inspectors work in offices and at buildings under construction or in use. Investigators work at fire scenes that may be unstable, wet, dirty and hazardous.
Schedule: Inspectors usually work weekday hours; investigators often work on call, including nights and weekends.
A day in the life
- Review inspection assignments and new plan submittals at the fire marshal’s office.
- Inspect a restaurant for exits, extinguishers and the hood suppression system.
- Witness a fire alarm acceptance test at a new apartment building.
- Re-inspect a warehouse that had blocked sprinkler heads.
See a full day in the life of a fire inspector →
Fire Inspector salary
Half of fire inspectors earned more than $75,920 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,530 for the lowest 10% to $118,750 for the top 10%.
Full fire inspector pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a fire inspector
- Gain fire service experience
- Study fire science
- Earn Fire Inspector I
- Move into fire prevention
- Advance
Many fire inspectors have firefighting experience and complete postsecondary training in fire science. Certifications follow NFPA professional qualification standards. Associate and bachelor’s degrees in fire science are increasingly common.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a fire inspector →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Fire code knowledge
- Plan review
- Fire protection systems
- Origin and cause investigation
- Evidence collection
People skills
- Communication
- Objectivity
- Attention to detail
- Diplomacy
All fire inspector skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Prevent fires and save lives
- Steady government work
- Uses firefighting experience
- Variety of buildings and cases
Cons
- Enforcement can cause conflict
- Hazardous fire scenes
- On-call investigations
- Heavy reporting
Certifications and licenses
- Fire Inspector I and II: Certification under NFPA professional qualification standards or ICC.
- ICC Fire Inspector certification: International Code Council credentials.
- Fire Investigator certification: Credentials such as IAAI-CFI or NAFI CFEI.
- Plans Examiner certification: Credentials for fire protection plan review.
Career path
- Firefighter: Gain fire service experience.
- Fire Inspector: Enforce codes and review systems.
- Fire Investigator or Plans Examiner: Investigate fires or review plans.
- Fire Marshal: Lead fire prevention programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Fire Inspector training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a fire code inspection and determine a fire’s area of origin, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Construction and Building Inspector
Inspect buildings and construction to make sure they meet codes and approved plans.
- $74,690
- Several years of trade experience + certification
Fire Alarm Technician
Install, test and service fire alarm and security systems that protect buildings.
- $60,070
- 6–12 months on the job
Detective
Investigate crimes, gather evidence and build cases that hold up in court.
- $93,790
- 3–5 years as a police officer
Compare: Fire Inspector vs. Firefighter · Fire Inspector vs. Building Inspector · Fire Inspector vs. Fire Alarm Technician · Fire Inspector vs. Detective
Fire Inspector FAQ
Do fire inspectors need to be firefighters?
Many are, but some departments hire civilian inspectors with fire science training.
What’s the difference between an inspector and an investigator?
Inspectors prevent fires through code enforcement; investigators determine the cause after fires.
What certifications are needed?
Fire Inspector I/II and, for investigators, credentials such as IAAI-CFI.
How much does a fire inspector make?
The median annual wage for fire inspectors was $75,920 ($36.50 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,530 and the highest 10% earned more than $118,750.
How long does it take to become a fire inspector?
Most people need about 1–2 years plus experience of training. Many fire inspectors have firefighting experience and complete postsecondary training in fire science. Certifications follow NFPA professional qualification standards. Associate and bachelor’s degrees in fire science are increasingly common.
Do you need a degree to be a fire inspector?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More fire inspector questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-2021 (Fire inspectors and investigators).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Fire inspectors and investigators (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.