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What Does it Take to Be a Fire Inspector?

Position Description Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.

A Day in the Life of a Fire Inspector

  • Search for clues as to the cause of a fire, once the fire is completely extinguished.
  • Arrange for the replacement of defective fire fighting equipment and for repair of fire alarm and sprinkler systems, making minor repairs such as servicing fire extinguishers when feasible.
  • Collect fees for permits and licenses.
  • Conduct fire exit drills to monitor and evaluate evacuation procedures.
  • Inspect liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, and transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws.
  • Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Fire Inspector?

Below is a list of the skills most Fire Inspectors say are important on the job.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

  • Fire Marshal
  • Fire Official
  • Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector
  • Fire Safety Director
  • Smoke Inspector

Are There Job Opportunities for Fire Inspectors?

In the United States, there were 12,300 jobs for Fire Inspector in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 1,400 positions for Fire Inspector per year.

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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.

Do Fire Inspectors Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Fire Inspectors is somewhere between $36,400 and $95,330.

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Fire Inspectors who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Fire Inspectors make 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 & Technology do Fire Inspectors Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fire Inspectors may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook

How to Become a Fire Inspector

What kind of Fire Inspector requirements are there?

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

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Where do Fire Inspectors Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Fire Inspectors work:

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Fire Inspector might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Fire Inspector sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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