Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Fire Inspector Many fire inspectors and investigators have a firefighter background. To enter the occupation, fire inspectors typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience as a firefighter or in a related occupation. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job-
Education
Fire inspectors’ education requirements vary, but most need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some need postsecondary instruction, such as that required for emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a 2- or 4-year degree in fire science or a field related to the position. For example, fire investigators might have a degree in criminal justice, and forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists might have a degree in forestry or forest management. In some cases, postsecondary education may substitute for work experience. Training Training requirements for fire inspectors vary. Programs are available through employers, federal agencies, and professional organizations and usually include both technical instruction and on-the-job training. Technical instruction often takes place over several months at a fire or police academy. Topics covered include inspection or investigation processes, legal codes, courtroom procedures, hazardous and explosive materials handling protocol, and proper use of equipment. After inspectors and investigators complete technical instruction, they typically also receive on-the-job training, during which they work with an experienced inspector or investigator. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Fire inspectors typically need several years of work experience as a firefighter or in a related occupation. For example, experience in building inspection or law enforcement may be helpful for fire inspectors and investigators, respectively, and experience in forestry or land management may be helpful for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
Training
in inspection and investigation. Fire inspectors usually must pass a background check, which may include a drug test. Employers also typically require that candidates have a valid driver’s license. Because of their police powers, investigators and inspectors may need to be U.S. citizens. They also may need certification.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Requirements for licensure or certification vary by state or locality. Check with your state licensing agency or local fire department for more information. Fire investigators also may choose to pursue more certification from a nationally recognized professional association. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,900 openings for fire inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Projected employment of fire inspectors varies by occupation (see table). Fire inspectors will be needed to assess potential fire hazards in newly constructed residential, commercial, public, and other buildings. Fire inspectors also will be needed to ensure that existing buildings meet updated federal, state, and local fire codes. Although the number of structural fires occurring across the country has been falling for some time, fire investigators will still be needed to determine the cause of fires and explosions. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists are expected to be needed to help prevent and control increasingly destructive wildfires. Fire Inspectors Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists 13% Fire inspectors 6% Firefighting and prevention workers 4% Fire inspectors and investigators 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Fire Inspectors Do
Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire codes, and investigate causes of fires.
Duties
Fire inspectors and investigators examine buildings and scenes of fires; forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess conditions for outdoor fire risks.
Fire inspectors and investigators typically do the following:
- Search buildings for fire hazards
- Review building blueprints with developers
- Ensure that existing buildings and designs comply with fire codes
- Conduct fire and safety education programs and review emergency evacuation plans
- Collect and analyze evidence from scenes of fires and explosions
- Testify in civil and criminal legal proceedings
- Work with law enforcement or exercise police powers, such as the power of arrest, and carry a weapon
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists typically do the following:
- Patrol assigned areas to look for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena that pose wildfire risk
- Assist in wildfire suppression
- Operate, maintain, and repair firefighting equipment
- Review development proposals and inspect areas for nonconforming properties or structures
- Create and administer programs to educate the public about forest fire risks and prevention
Fire inspectors and investigators examine buildings to look for fire hazards and study fire scenes to determine the cause of a fire. Inspectors visit homes, offices, hazardous materials storage facilities, or other buildings to enforce local ordinances and state laws. They may test fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire prevention equipment as part of their inspections. Investigators may have to clear and sort through debris at the scene of a fire or explosion for evidence such as glass, metal fragments, and accelerant residue. They analyze the evidence they collect and may interview witnesses as part of their investigation.
In some areas, inspectors also work as investigators.
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists assess outdoor fire hazards in public and residential areas. Similar to fire inspectors who visit buildings, forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists look for fire code violations and for conditions that pose a fire risk. They also recommend ways to reduce fire hazards. During patrols, they enforce fire regulations, report fire conditions to their central command center, and extinguish small fires they encounter. For large fires, they may direct the efforts of wildland firefighters.
Fire inspectors, investigators, and prevention specialists keep detailed records of their inspections and investigations. Inspectors and prevention specialists identify infractions, document corrective action required, and conduct followup inspections to ensure compliance with instructions. Investigators document all the evidence from a fire scene to help determine the cause and may need to refer to their notes and files during legal proceedings.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Fire inspectors and investigators held about 14,700 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of fire inspectors and investigators were as follows:
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 70% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 11 |
| Finance and insurance | 3 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 2 |
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists held about 3,000 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists were as follows:
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 45% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 40 |
Fire inspectors work both in office settings and onsite, including outdoors. Fire inspectors and investigators visit buildings, such as apartment complexes and industrial plants. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists travel to natural environments, such as forests and fields.
During onsite visits, fire inspectors may work in poorly ventilated areas and be exposed to smoke, fumes, and other hazardous agents. They may wear personal protective equipment (PPE)—including coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, and safety glasses or goggles—to reduce exposure to harmful materials. Some must wear fully enclosed protective suits, often for several hours, which may make their work physically demanding and strenuous.
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists spend much of their time outdoors.
Work Schedules
Most fire inspectors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Their schedules may include evenings, weekends, and holidays because they must be ready to respond when fires occur.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Communication skills. Fire inspectors must clearly explain fire code violations to building and property managers. Fire investigators must thoroughly interview witnesses, including those who may be distressed or uncooperative, as part of their factfinding mission. Critical-thinking skills. Fire investigators must be able to analyze evidence from a fire and come to a reasonable conclusion. Detail oriented. Fire inspectors must notice minutiae when inspecting sites for code violations or fire risks or for investigating the cause of a fire. Physical stamina. Fire investigators may be required to sort through debris at the scene of a fire for long periods, often while wearing heavy or uncomfortable protective gear. Physical strength. Fire investigators may have to move debris at the site of a fire in order to get a more accurate understanding of the scene. Problem-solving skills. Fire inspectors must be able to recognize code violations and fire risks and recommend a way to fix them.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about fire inspectors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.