Life As a Fire Inspector
Fire Inspector Example Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.
List of Fire Inspector Job Duties
- Investigate causes of fires, collecting and preparing evidence and presenting it in court when necessary.
- Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
- Issue permits for public assemblies.
- Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
- Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
- Inspect and test fire protection or fire detection systems to verify that such systems are installed in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
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Fire Inspector Skills
These are the skills Fire Inspectors say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Fire Inspector Job Titles
- Sprinkler Inspector
- Fire Alarm Inspector
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Protection Specialist
- Smoke Inspector
Fire Inspector Employment Estimates
There were about 12,300 jobs for Fire Inspector in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Fire Inspector by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,400 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Fire Inspector are Idaho, Vermont, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Fire Inspector Salary
Fire Inspectors make between $36,400 and $95,330 a year.

Fire Inspectors who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Fire Inspectors in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $68,630 |
Arizona | $64,190 |
Arkansas | $44,310 |
California | $103,830 |
Colorado | $74,790 |
Connecticut | $74,280 |
Delaware | $58,820 |
District of Columbia | $75,800 |
Florida | $63,040 |
Georgia | $52,010 |
Illinois | $64,760 |
Indiana | $53,670 |
Iowa | $64,680 |
Kansas | $53,210 |
Kentucky | $43,640 |
Louisiana | $50,990 |
Maine | $54,600 |
Maryland | $64,490 |
Massachusetts | $66,710 |
Michigan | $59,740 |
Minnesota | $68,210 |
Missouri | $44,930 |
New Hampshire | $62,700 |
New Jersey | $55,890 |
New Mexico | $52,010 |
New York | $66,580 |
North Carolina | $52,760 |
North Dakota | $61,850 |
Ohio | $66,650 |
Oklahoma | $68,080 |
Oregon | $89,860 |
Pennsylvania | $56,890 |
Rhode Island | $56,130 |
South Carolina | $53,680 |
Tennessee | $62,660 |
Texas | $63,540 |
Utah | $58,000 |
Vermont | $58,790 |
Virginia | $55,540 |
Washington | $81,430 |
West Virginia | $47,190 |
Wisconsin | $57,460 |
What Tools do Fire Inspectors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fire Inspectors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
Becoming a Fire Inspector
Are there Fire Inspectors education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Fire Inspector?

Where Fire Inspectors Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Fire Inspectors work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Fire Inspector may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Fire Inspector sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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