How to become a Fire Inspector or Investigator
Official title: Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Also called: Arson Investigator, Fire Code Inspector, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Official, Fire Prevention Inspector, Fire Prevention Specialist, Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Safety Specialist
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
To enter the occupation, fire inspectors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and work experience as a firefighter or in a related occupation. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job-training in inspection and investigation. They also may need certification.
Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Arson and Bomb Investigator.
- Apprenticeship: Fire Inspector.
- Apprenticeship: Fire Marshall.
- Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician; Fire Science/Fire-fighting; Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention
- Licence: A licence is required in 7 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $75,920 a year The middle half earn $58,690 to $95,120.
- About 14,700 people work in this job now, and about 15,300 are projected by 2035. (+4.2%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Fire Inspector or Investigator?
To enter the occupation, fire inspectors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and work experience as a firefighter or in a related occupation. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job-training in inspection and investigation. They also may need certification.
How much does a Fire Inspector or Investigator earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $75,920 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $58,690 to $95,120.
Is a Fire Inspector or Investigator a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 14,700 to about 15,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Fire Inspector or Investigator?
Not always. 33% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Arson and Bomb Investigator.
Will AI change the work of a Fire Inspector or Investigator?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.