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.
List of Fire Inspector Job Duties
- Identify corrective actions necessary to bring properties into compliance with applicable fire codes, laws, regulations, and standards, and explain these measures to property owners or their representatives.
- Search for clues as to the cause of a fire, once the fire is completely extinguished.
- Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- Develop and coordinate fire prevention programs, such as false alarm billing, fire inspection reporting, and hazardous materials management.
- Review blueprints and plans for new or remodeled buildings to ensure the structures meet fire safety codes.
- 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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What Every Fire Inspector Should Know
Fire Inspectors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Fire Inspector
- Fire Prevention Officer
- Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector
- Fire Official
- Fire Safety Director
- Inspector
Job Demand for Fire Inspectors
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. There will be an estimated 1,400 positions for Fire Inspector per 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
The average yearly salary of a Fire Inspector ranges between $36,400 and $95,330.

Fire Inspectors who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Fire Inspectors make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Fire Inspectors
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
Becoming a Fire Inspector
Learn what Fire Inspector education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Fire Inspector?

Fire Inspectors Sector

Fire Inspectors work in the following industries:

Related 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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