Protective Service
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Also called: Arson Investigator, Fire Code Inspector, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator
US median pay
$75,920
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,600
14,700 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
What they do day to day
- Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
- Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
- Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.2/5
- Persuasion3.2/5
- Instructing3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Building and Construction4.2/5
- Law and Government4.1/5
- Education and Training4.0/5
- English Language3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award, plus 5 years or more of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate27%
- Some college26%
- High school diploma23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.