Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Firefighters: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Median Salary
$70,133
Average (Mean)
$72,172
Employed Nationwide
11,530
VS

Firefighters

Median Salary
$54,934
Average (Mean)
$56,417
Employed Nationwide
307,400
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns $15,199 more (27.7%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $70,133 $54,934
Average (Mean) Salary $72,172 $56,417
Total Employment 11,530 307,400
States with Higher Pay 37 8

Salary by State: Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Firefighters

Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 37 states; Firefighters pays more in 8.

State Fire Inspectors and Investigators Firefighters Difference
Alabama $52,470
$41,290
+$11,180
Alaska $78,930
$58,280
+$20,650
Arizona $68,270
$52,380
+$15,890
Arkansas $59,260
$39,940
+$19,320
California $96,400
$80,330
+$16,070
Colorado $86,250
$72,930
+$13,320
Connecticut $86,100
$76,480
+$9,620
Delaware $53,200
$42,970
+$10,230
Georgia $55,860
$42,950
+$12,910
Idaho $63,160
$47,240
+$15,920
Illinois $73,300
$80,380
$-7,080
Indiana $57,890
$58,930
$-1,040
Iowa $87,760
$50,460
+$37,300
Kansas $55,830
$42,370
+$13,460
Kentucky $47,570
$34,430
+$13,140
Louisiana $55,150
$30,770
+$24,380
Maine $61,010
$46,900
+$14,110
Maryland $85,540
$65,090
+$20,450
Massachusetts $70,100
$70,270
$-170
Michigan $70,510
$51,200
+$19,310
Minnesota $82,760
$38,750
+$44,010
Mississippi $50,430
$36,130
+$14,300
Missouri $81,880
$45,050
+$36,830
Nebraska $64,400
$69,040
$-4,640
Nevada $93,380
$63,600
+$29,780
New Hampshire $73,110
$51,470
+$21,640
New Jersey $71,650
$85,330
$-13,680
New Mexico $58,350
$41,790
+$16,560
New York $70,260
$82,290
$-12,030
North Carolina $64,350
$35,650
+$28,700
North Dakota $74,250
$50,450
+$23,800
Ohio $110,450
$55,040
+$55,410
Oklahoma $41,500
$53,760
$-12,260
Oregon $105,840
$70,830
+$35,010
Pennsylvania $61,030
$72,590
$-11,560
Rhode Island $72,510
$65,590
+$6,920
South Carolina $56,870
$45,540
+$11,330
Tennessee $62,250
$42,220
+$20,030
Texas $74,960
$59,880
+$15,080
Utah $66,480
$46,180
+$20,300
Vermont $66,330
$48,260
+$18,070
Virginia $66,630
$54,170
+$12,460
Washington $107,340
$88,230
+$19,110
West Virginia $50,310
$40,100
+$10,210
Wisconsin $64,130
$44,710
+$19,420

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Firefighters?
On average across all states, a Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns more than a Firefighters. The national median salary difference is $15,199 (27.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Fire Inspectors and Investigators earn more than a Firefighters?
A Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns a higher median salary than a Firefighters in 37 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Firefighters pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Firefighters?
The national median salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators is $70,133 per year, compared to $54,934 for a Firefighters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Firefighters?
There are more people employed as Firefighters. BLS reports approximately 11,530 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions and 307,400 Firefighters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Firefighters?
Both Fire Inspectors and Investigators and Firefighters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.