Fire Inspectors and Investigators

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.

How to read this profile

BLS projects U.S. employment for Fire Inspectors and Investigators to increase by 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 14,700 to 15,300 jobs. Its estimate of 1,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($75,920), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (5 years or more) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.

Base employment (2024)

14,700

Projected employment (2034)

15,300

Projected change (2024–2034)

4%

Annual openings (projected average)

1,600

Pay & Preparation
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$75,920

Postsecondary nondegree award

5 years or more

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Essential Skills

Active Listening (3.62/5) • Speaking (3.5/5) • Critical Thinking (3.5/5) • Writing (3.5/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.38/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.38/5)

O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.

BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.

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