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Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary in U.S.

Fire Inspectors and Investigators in U.S. make a median of $78,060 a year, or about $37.53 an hour. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $150K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$78K
Median annual
$37.53/hr
Hourly rate
$48K
Entry level (10th %)
$150K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $78K get you in U.S.?

Estimated monthly take-home$5,275/mo
Median 2BR rent-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home26.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$78,060/yr
Monthly remaining after rent$3,863/mo
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About fire inspectors and investigators

U.S. employed: 14,050
Category: Public Safety
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.

Bar chart showing Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $47,580, 25th percentile $60,700, median $78,060, 75th percentile $105,390, 90th percentile $149,870. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$48K25th$61KMedian$78K75th$105K90th$150K
Bar chart showing Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $47,580, 25th percentile $60,700, median $78,060, 75th percentile $105,390, 90th percentile $149,870. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level fire inspectors and investigators (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $150K or more - a $102K spread from bottom to top.

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Fire Inspectors and Investigators pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Washington$117K+50%330
Oregon$115K+48%180
California$96K+23%1,260
Nevada$96K+23%190
Maryland$91K+16%270
Michigan$87K+11%210
Massachusetts$85K+8%110
Texas$83K+7%980
Missouri$83K+6%130
Minnesota$81K+4%160
Wyoming$77K-1%30
New Hampshire$77K-1%70
Connecticut$77K-2%430
North Dakota$76K-3%30
Iowa$75K-3%40

Track fire inspectors and investigators salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do fire inspectors and investigators make in U.S.?

The median is $78,060 a year - that works out to about $37.53 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,580, and experienced fire inspectors and investigators can clear $149,870. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $78K enough to live in U.S.?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,275/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 26.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.

How far does a fire inspectors and investigators salary go in U.S.?

U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fire inspectors and investigators salary is worth about $78,060 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do fire inspectors and investigators get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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