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Fire Inspector

💰 Earn $77K-$122K
📚 Vocational Training
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 3.8% Job Growth
  • Protect communities by ensuring buildings meet fire safety standards and regulations.
  • Play a crucial role in preventing fires and saving lives through thorough inspections.
  • Delve into the science of fire to uncover causes and testify in court cases.
Fire Inspector
What Fire Inspectors DoInspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
  • Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
  • Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
  • Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
  • Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
  • Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
Fire Inspectors Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationVocational Training
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings1,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$96,180 in California
$78,060 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Thinking and problem solving
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having support
  • Having freedom
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Go Deeper: Fire Inspectors Explained
Fire InspectorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Fire Inspector | Explore this Career