Fire Inspector

Also called: Fire Prevention Inspector, Fire Code Inspector

Inspects buildings to make sure they meet fire codes, like working alarms and clear exits.

A day in the life

Fire inspectors walk through restaurants, schools, and apartment buildings checking extinguishers, sprinklers, exit signs, and blocked doors. They also review plans and teach fire safety. It's a safer, regular-hours side of the fire service.

Pay over a career

Starting
$48k
Typical
$74k
High
$115k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Fire Inspector I/II certification; often firefighting experience.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Fire Science, Building Inspection Technology.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS fire inspectors and investigators (approx.).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Inspection apps and connected alarm panels cut routine checks; walking buildings and enforcing code stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Government / Civics, Drafting / CAD, Chemistry, English composition.

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-2021.

More Firefighting & Fire Protection careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.