National Salary Overview
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary
$70,133
Average (Mean)
$72,172
Employed Nationwide
11,530
VS
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Median Salary
$69,797
Average (Mean)
$70,741
Employed Nationwide
646,310
Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns $335 more (0.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$70,133
$69,797
Average (Mean) Salary
$72,172
$70,741
Total Employment
11,530
646,310
States with Higher Pay
24
21
Salary by State: Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 24 states; Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 21.
| State | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,470 | $51,030 | +$1,440 | ||
| Alaska | $78,930 | $90,060 | $-11,130 | ||
| Arizona | $68,270 | $76,450 | $-8,180 | ||
| Arkansas | $59,260 | $44,300 | +$14,960 | ||
| California | $96,400 | $113,460 | $-17,060 | ||
| Colorado | $86,250 | $88,400 | $-2,150 | ||
| Connecticut | $86,100 | $85,340 | +$760 | ||
| Delaware | $53,200 | $82,410 | $-29,210 | ||
| Georgia | $55,860 | $53,730 | +$2,130 | ||
| Idaho | $63,160 | $63,110 | +$50 | ||
| Illinois | $73,300 | $98,430 | $-25,130 | ||
| Indiana | $57,890 | $66,320 | $-8,430 | ||
| Iowa | $87,760 | $69,270 | +$18,490 | ||
| Kansas | $55,830 | $53,170 | +$2,660 | ||
| Kentucky | $47,570 | $50,470 | $-2,900 | ||
| Louisiana | $55,150 | $47,800 | +$7,350 | ||
| Maine | $61,010 | $62,280 | $-1,270 | ||
| Maryland | $85,540 | $75,460 | +$10,080 | ||
| Massachusetts | $70,100 | $75,700 | $-5,600 | ||
| Michigan | $70,510 | $69,240 | +$1,270 | ||
| Minnesota | $82,760 | $84,080 | $-1,320 | ||
| Mississippi | $50,430 | $41,080 | +$9,350 | ||
| Missouri | $81,880 | $56,480 | +$25,400 | ||
| Nebraska | $64,400 | $66,000 | $-1,600 | ||
| Nevada | $93,380 | $80,730 | +$12,650 | ||
| New Hampshire | $73,110 | $63,750 | +$9,360 | ||
| New Jersey | $71,650 | $91,850 | $-20,200 | ||
| New Mexico | $58,350 | $62,840 | $-4,490 | ||
| New York | $70,260 | $85,460 | $-15,200 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,350 | $52,380 | +$11,970 | ||
| North Dakota | $74,250 | $67,060 | +$7,190 | ||
| Ohio | $110,450 | $74,300 | +$36,150 | ||
| Oklahoma | $41,500 | $53,850 | $-12,350 | ||
| Oregon | $105,840 | $83,360 | +$22,480 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $61,030 | $85,390 | $-24,360 | ||
| Rhode Island | $72,510 | $76,060 | $-3,550 | ||
| South Carolina | $56,870 | $50,380 | +$6,490 | ||
| Tennessee | $62,250 | $52,000 | +$10,250 | ||
| Texas | $74,960 | $74,010 | +$950 | ||
| Utah | $66,480 | $67,540 | $-1,060 | ||
| Vermont | $66,330 | $65,760 | +$570 | ||
| Virginia | $66,630 | $61,980 | +$4,650 | ||
| Washington | $107,340 | $99,510 | +$7,830 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,310 | $50,560 | $-250 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,130 | $77,040 | $-12,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
On average across all states, a Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns more than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. The national median salary difference is $335 (0.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Fire Inspectors and Investigators earn more than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
A Fire Inspectors and Investigators earns a higher median salary than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in 24 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The national median salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators is $70,133 per year, compared to $69,797 for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
There are more people employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. BLS reports approximately 11,530 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions and 646,310 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Both Fire Inspectors and Investigators and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 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.
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