Career Overview
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
Also Known As
- Arson Investigator
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Prevention Inspector
Alternate Job Titles
- Alarm Inspector
- Alarm Sprinkler Inspector
- Arson and Bomb Investigator
- Arson Investigator
- Bomb Investigator
- Building Inspector
- Canine Handler (K9 Handler)
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
- Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
- Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
- Code Official
- Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Inspector
- Fire Alarm Inspector
- Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech)
- Fire Alarm Technician (Fire Alarm Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Flexibility of Closure
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable pipe wrenches
- Ball peen hammers
- Ballistic vests
- Bar levels
- Battery analyzers
- Battery powered smoke detectors
- Bit drivers
- Bolt cutters
- Box end wrenches
- Camera flash attachments
- Camera lenses
- Camera positioning tripods
- Carpet cutters
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Telephone Conversations
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $47,580 |
| Median | $78,060 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $149,870 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 14,050
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $109,660
Firefighters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $59,530
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,380
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $92,430
Construction and Building Inspectors
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $72,120
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.