What Does it Take to Be a Fire Investigator?
Fire Investigator Example Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.
Life As a Fire Investigator: What Do They Do?
- Coordinate efforts with other organizations, such as law enforcement agencies.
- Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
- 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.
- Swear out warrants, and arrest and process suspected arsonists.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Fire Investigator?
Below is a list of the skills most Fire Investigators 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.
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
- Fire and Explosion Investigator
- Arson Division Chief
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Marshal
- State Fire Marshal
Are There Job Opportunities for Fire Investigators?
In the United States, there were 12,300 jobs for Fire Investigator 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 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.
Average Fire Investigators Salary
The salary for Fire Investigators ranges between about $36,400 and $95,330 a year.
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fire Investigators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
Becoming a Fire Investigator
Learn what Fire Investigator education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Fire Investigator?
Where Fire Investigators Work
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.