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Forest Fire Inspector

💰 Earn $62K-$130K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 14.6% Job Growth
  • Protect forests by enforcing fire safety and preventing devastating wildfires.
  • Play a crucial role in safeguarding natural habitats and communities from fire threats.
  • Unique chance to combine outdoor work with emergency response and safety training.
Forest Fire Inspector
What Forest Fire Inspectors DoEnforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
  • Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
  • Conduct wildland firefighting training.
  • Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
  • Direct crews working on firelines during forest fires.
  • Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
Forest Fire Inspectors Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings300 Annually
Median Earnings
$90,290 in California
$52,380 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Go Deeper: Forest Fire Inspectors Explained
Forest 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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