Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Make?
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists earn a median annual salary of $52,380 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $33,590 at the 10th percentile to $100,450 at the 90th percentile — a range of $66,860. The highest-paying state is California at $90,290.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,590 |
| 25th percentile | $41,000 |
| Median (50th) | $52,380 |
| 75th percentile | $77,780 |
| 90th percentile | $100,450 |
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $90,290 |
| Oklahoma | $79,350 |
| Utah | $77,480 |
| Louisiana | $74,650 |
| Oregon | $70,910 |
| Maine | $66,310 |
| New Jersey | $57,950 |
| Colorado | $53,500 |
| Washington | $51,370 |
| Florida | $48,900 |
| Georgia | $46,170 |
| Arkansas | $42,260 |
| Alabama | $34,920 |
| Mississippi | $26,460 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist 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) | ~$33,590 – $41,000 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$52,380 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$77,780 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $100,450+ |
How to Earn More as a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California earn $90,290 — $37,910 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 ($77,780) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialistthis career | $52,380 |
| Emergency Management Director | $86,130 |
| Health and Safety Engineer | $109,660 |
| Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineer | $109,660 |
| Range Manager | $67,950 |
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SOC: 33-2022.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.