Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Fire Inspectors and Investigators in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $96,180 a year, or about $46.24 an hour. The range runs from $58K at the entry level to $104K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $85,959 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 49.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $96K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About fire inspectors and investigators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level fire inspectors and investigators (10th percentile) start around $58K. Mid-career wages sit at $96K.Top earners bring in $104K or more - a $45K spread from bottom to top.
Fire Inspectors and Investigators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fire inspectors and investigators make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $96,180 a year - that works out to about $46.24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $58,430, and experienced fire inspectors and investigators can clear $103,850. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $96K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,914/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 50.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a fire inspectors and investigators salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fire inspectors and investigators salary is worth about $85,959 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.