Life As a Fire Investigator
Position Description Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.
Life As a Fire Investigator: What Do They Do?
- Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- Teach fire investigation techniques to other firefighter personnel.
- Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
- Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- Dust evidence or portions of fire scenes for latent fingerprints.
- Test sites and materials to establish facts, such as burn patterns and flash points of materials, using test equipment.
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Things a Fire Investigator Should Know How to Do
Fire Investigators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Fire Investigator Jobs
- Arson and Bomb Investigator
- Fire Investigation Lieutenant
- Fire and Explosion Investigator
- Canine Handler (K9 Handler)
- Investigation Lieutenant
Is There Job Demand for Fire Investigators?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 12,300 jobs in the United States for Fire Investigator. 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 Investigator by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Fire Investigator 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 Investigators Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Fire Investigators is somewhere between $36,400 and $95,330.
Fire Investigators who work in California, Oregon, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Fire Investigators 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 Investigators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fire Investigators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
Becoming a Fire Investigator
Are there Fire Investigators education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Fire Investigators Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Fire Investigators employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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