Career Overview
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Also Known As
- Engineer
- Fire Protection Consultant
- Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)
- Professional Fire Protection Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Consulting Engineer
- Engineer
- Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech)
- Fire Prevention Research Engineer
- Fire Protection Commissioning Engineer
- Fire Protection Consultant
- Fire Protection Design Engineer
- Fire Protection Designer
- Fire Protection Engineer (FPE)
- Fire Safety Engineer
- Forensic Fire Protection Engineer
- Licensed Fire Protection Engineer
- Plumbing Designer
- Plumbing Engineer
- Professional Fire Protection Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
- Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
- Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
- Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
- Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
- Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
- Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Develop or modify building codes and fire codes.
- Perform testing on fire protection equipment or building features, such as fire doors or smoke control systems.
- Review building plans to verify compliance with fire and building codes.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Category Flexibility
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
On-the-Job Training: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley MicroStation
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Collection hoods
- Cone calorimeters
- Counter-flow slot burners CSB
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Flame spread testers
- Flammability testers
- Floor-ceiling furnaces
- Flow tunnels
- Furniture calorimeters
- Heat flux transducers
- Heat sinks
- Helium-neon lasers
- Horizontal furnaces
- Intermediate scale calorimeters
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $62,050 |
| Median | $109,660 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $166,670 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 23,220
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
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)
Median Salary: $78,060
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,380
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $109,660
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $92,430
Firefighters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $59,530
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.