Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs. Security Guards: Who Earns More?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators out-earn Security Guards by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Fire Inspectors and Investigators land at $75,920 and Security Guards at $38,020. The education gap is real: fire inspectors and investigator programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while security guard programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Fire Inspectors and Investigators is Washington ($122,900); for Security Guards it's District of Columbia ($64,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Fire Inspectors and Investigators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Security Guards?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earn more nationally. The median is $75,920 for Fire Inspectors and Investigators versus $38,020 for Security Guards, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Security Guards?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators has the better 10-year outlook at 3.8% projected growth, compared to 0.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Security Guards?
Fire Inspectors and Investigators typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Security Guards requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Fire Inspectors and Investigators get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Fire Inspectors and Investigators at $122,900/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs. Security Guards pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Fire Inspectors and Investigators earn $122,900 vs. $47,100 for Security Guards. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.