All About Fire Inspectors
Fire Inspector Job Description Inspect buildings and equipment to detect fire hazards and enforce state and local regulations.
What Do Fire Inspectors Do On a Daily Basis?
- Conduct fire code compliance follow-ups to ensure that corrective actions have been taken in cases where violations were found.
- Teach public education programs on fire safety and prevention.
- Inspect liquefied petroleum installations, storage containers, and transportation and delivery systems for compliance with fire laws.
- Collect fees for permits and licenses.
- 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.
- Recommend changes to fire prevention, inspection, and fire code endorsement procedures.
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What a 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.
Related Job Titles
- Fire Extinguisher Sprinkler Inspector
- Fire Protection Inspector
- Fire Prevention Officer
- Fire Safety Inspector
- Fire Code Inspector
Job Outlook 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.
Do Fire Inspectors Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Fire Inspectors is somewhere between $36,400 and $95,330.

Fire Inspectors who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Fire Inspectors 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fire Inspectors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
How do I Become a Fire Inspector?
Learn what Fire Inspector education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Fire Inspector?

Where Fire Inspectors Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Fire Inspector might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Fire Inspector in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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