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Fire Inspectors and Investigators


Nature of the Work About this section

Fire inspectors visit and inspect businesses and other places of assembly each year to ensure that these places meet State and local fire codes. These inspectors may also work with developers and planners to check and approve plans for new buildings and to inspect buildings under construction. Fire investigators determine the causes of fires. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare reports on fires in cases in which the cause may be arson or criminal negligence. In national forests and parks, forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists spot fires from watchtowers and report the fires to headquarters by telephone or radio. They also patrol to ensure that travelers and campers comply with fire regulations.

Education and Training About this section

Most fire inspectors and investigators have experience in fire suppression in addition to a high school diploma. They get on-the-job training in inspection or investigation or attend training academies.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 16,600
2018 Employment 18,100
Employment Change 1,500
Growth Rate 9%

Employment change. Fire inspectors and investigators are expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations. As cities and other areas grow, there are more buildings to inspect and fires to investigate. Employment of fire inspectors and investigators should grow along with the population.

Job prospects. Jobseekers should expect keen competition. Those who have completed some fire suppression education at a community college, have experience in fire suppression, or have experience and training related to criminal investigation should have an advantage.

Earnings About this section

Median annual wages in May 2008 were as follows:

Fire inspectors and investigators $53,030
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists 31,380


Firefighters; Police and detectives; Private detectives and investigators.

Sources of Additional Information About this section


Disclaimer:

Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

For additional information related to training for fire inspectors and investigators, contact State or local code enforcement officials, fire departments, fire marshals, or:

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

Get more information from O*NET—the Occupational Information Network:

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations. For information on a specific occupation, select the appropriate link below. For more information on O*NET, visit their homepage.


Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Fire Inspectors and Investigators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos328.htm (visited February 09, 2012).

 

Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009