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Government & Public ServicesStable

Fire Inspector and Investigator

Operational-level

Also known as: Alarm Inspector, Alarm Sprinkler Inspector, Arson and Bomb Investigator, Arson Investigator

Government & Public ServicesBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Fire Inspector and Investigator, you inspect buildings to detect fire risks and make sure they follow local safety laws. You also gather facts and evidence to figure out what caused fires or explosions. You'll spend a lot of time talking with people, both individually and in teams, often communicating by phone and email. This job involves traveling to different sites, often in an enclosed vehicle, and requires strong critical thinking and communication skills.
Fire SafetyFire InvestigationCode EnforcementForensic SciencePublic SafetyCriminal JusticeGovernment ServicesRisk ManagementPolice & MilitaryGovernment

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,600

per year (US)

Jobs today

14,700

in 2025 → 15,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 1,600 job openings projected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is around $75,920, and an Associate's Degree is typically required. You can advance from this role to positions like Senior Fire Inspector or Fire Marshal.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Firefighter
  • Building Inspector Assistant
  • Safety Technician

Where it can lead

  • Senior Fire Inspector
  • Fire Marshal
  • Forensic Investigator (Fire/Explosion)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly augment fire inspectors' capabilities by automating routine data analysis for risk assessment and streamlining investigation processes through predictive modeling. This shift will empower human experts to focus on complex cases, strategic planning, and critical on-site verification, necessitating the mastery of new AI-powered tools.

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Salary

$75,920

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention

Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years

Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years

Building/Home/Construction Inspection/Inspector

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Forensic Science and Technology

Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years

Fire Science/Fire-fighting

Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years

Fire Systems Technology

Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years

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