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Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Fire Inspectors and Investigators make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$99,230
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.2% vs 2024
$102,500
Mean Salary
$99,230
Median Salary
$47.71
Hourly Rate
1,350 people work as Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California

Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $60,080$60,08025th25% earn less than $79,370$79,370MedianHalf earn more than $99,230$99,23075th75% earn less than $122,730$122,73090thTop 10% earn more than $150,590$150,590

Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California earn a median salary of $99,230 per year ($8,269/month). This is 35.1% above the national average of $73,432. California ranks #3 out of 43 states for Fire Inspectors and Investigators pay. Approximately 1,350 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.62
Writing
3.5
Speaking
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.7
Customer and Personal Service
4.28
Building and Construction
4.23
Law and Government
4.09
Education and Training
3.99
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (27.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California

Salaries for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California range from $60,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $150,590 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $79,370 and $122,730.

Median $99,230
P10: $60,080 P25: $79,370 P75: $122,730 P90: $150,590
10th
$60,080
25th
$79,370
Median
$99,230
75th
$122,730
90th
$150,590
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $60,080 $28.88 $5,006
25th Percentile $79,370 $38.16 $6,614
Median (50th) $99,230 $47.71 $8,269
75th Percentile $122,730 $59.00 $10,227
90th Percentile (Experienced) $150,590 $72.40 $12,549

Note: The mean (average) salary of $102,500 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
California ranks #3 of 43 states
$73,432
National avg. for Fire Inspectors and Investigators
+35.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Fire Inspectors and Investigators take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Fire Inspectors and Investigators Data in California

Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary by State

Compare Fire Inspectors and Investigators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Fire Inspectors and Investigators make in California?
The median annual salary for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California is $99,230 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $102,500.
What is the salary range for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California?
Salaries for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California range from $60,080 at the 10th percentile to $150,590 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $79,370 and $122,730.
What is the starting salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California?
Entry-level Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions in California typically start around $60,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $79,370 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,350 people are employed as Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in California is approximately $47.71 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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