Fire Inspectors and Investigator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Fire Inspectors and Investigators Make?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earn a median annual salary of $78,060 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,580 at the 10th percentile to $149,870 at the 90th percentile — a range of $102,290. The highest-paying state is Washington at $116,950.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,580 |
| 25th percentile | $60,700 |
| Median (50th) | $78,060 |
| 75th percentile | $105,390 |
| 90th percentile | $149,870 |
Fire Inspectors and Investigator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $116,950 |
| Oregon | $115,240 |
| Colorado | $97,080 |
| California | $96,180 |
| Nevada | $95,870 |
| Maryland | $90,610 |
| Michigan | $86,770 |
| Massachusetts | $84,650 |
| Texas | $83,370 |
| Missouri | $83,130 |
| Minnesota | $81,200 |
| Wyoming | $77,450 |
| New Hampshire | $77,040 |
| Connecticut | $76,620 |
| North Dakota | $75,860 |
| Iowa | $75,330 |
| New York | $75,080 |
| Arizona | $74,900 |
| Rhode Island | $74,380 |
| Utah | $72,550 |
| Illinois | $72,400 |
| Louisiana | $71,380 |
| Vermont | $71,220 |
| Nebraska | $70,300 |
| Idaho | $70,160 |
| Wisconsin | $69,920 |
| Virginia | $69,140 |
| New Jersey | $69,090 |
| North Carolina | $68,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,440 |
| Indiana | $66,090 |
| Tennessee | $65,940 |
| New Mexico | $65,330 |
| Ohio | $64,790 |
| Georgia | $64,480 |
| South Carolina | $61,780 |
| Kansas | $60,380 |
| Arkansas | $58,030 |
| Delaware | $57,840 |
| Mississippi | $54,650 |
| West Virginia | $52,820 |
| Alabama | $50,810 |
| Kentucky | $50,800 |
| Maine | $45,770 |
| Oklahoma | $37,320 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Fire Inspectors and Investigator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$47,580 – $60,700 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$78,060 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$105,390 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $149,870+ |
How to Earn More as a Fire Inspectors and Investigator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL earn $149,870 — $71,810 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($105,390) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Fire Inspectors and Investigator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Fire Inspectors and Investigatorthis career | $78,060 |
| Security Manager | $104,690 |
| Emergency Management Director | $86,130 |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | $78,420 |
| Government Property Inspectors and Investigator | $78,420 |
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SOC: 33-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.