National Salary Overview
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Median Salary
$73,431
Average (Mean)
$75,326
Employed Nationwide
12,790
VS
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Median Salary
$74,180
Average (Mean)
$75,124
Employed Nationwide
670,500
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $748 more (1.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$73,431
$74,180
Average (Mean) Salary
$75,326
$75,124
Total Employment
12,790
670,500
States with Higher Pay
26
17
Salary by State: Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Fire Inspectors and Investigators pays more in 26 states; Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 17.
| State | Fire Inspectors and Investigators | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $78,110 | $51,270 | +$26,840 | ||
| Arizona | $74,780 | $78,880 | $-4,100 | ||
| Arkansas | $57,990 | $47,670 | +$10,320 | ||
| California | $99,230 | $118,880 | $-19,650 | ||
| Colorado | $85,750 | $97,350 | $-11,600 | ||
| Connecticut | $80,490 | $82,170 | $-1,680 | ||
| Florida | $75,660 | $74,470 | +$1,190 | ||
| Georgia | $64,550 | $58,120 | +$6,430 | ||
| Idaho | $72,810 | $66,990 | +$5,820 | ||
| Illinois | $62,400 | $100,520 | $-38,120 | ||
| Indiana | $73,340 | $73,370 | $-30 | ||
| Iowa | $81,860 | $74,470 | +$7,390 | ||
| Kansas | $64,290 | $59,230 | +$5,060 | ||
| Kentucky | $55,970 | $60,490 | $-4,520 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,820 | $48,380 | +$16,440 | ||
| Maine | $58,240 | $67,050 | $-8,810 | ||
| Maryland | $98,730 | $77,970 | +$20,760 | ||
| Massachusetts | $81,140 | $78,940 | +$2,200 | ||
| Michigan | $77,460 | $73,730 | +$3,730 | ||
| Minnesota | $84,410 | $83,360 | +$1,050 | ||
| Mississippi | $55,260 | $46,140 | +$9,120 | ||
| Missouri | $77,240 | $59,460 | +$17,780 | ||
| Nebraska | $76,770 | $74,620 | +$2,150 | ||
| Nevada | $93,450 | $78,140 | +$15,310 | ||
| New Hampshire | $75,230 | $71,640 | +$3,590 | ||
| New Jersey | $60,100 | $92,610 | $-32,510 | ||
| New Mexico | $64,680 | $69,180 | $-4,500 | ||
| New York | $73,920 | $92,790 | $-18,870 | ||
| North Carolina | $66,820 | $59,300 | +$7,520 | ||
| North Dakota | $80,320 | $74,500 | +$5,820 | ||
| Ohio | $59,280 | $77,020 | $-17,740 | ||
| Oklahoma | $37,320 | $59,700 | $-22,380 | ||
| Oregon | $115,080 | $88,140 | +$26,940 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $59,080 | $85,470 | $-26,390 | ||
| Rhode Island | $78,100 | $77,230 | +$870 | ||
| South Carolina | $61,890 | $58,070 | +$3,820 | ||
| Tennessee | $63,400 | $59,280 | +$4,120 | ||
| Texas | $82,390 | $75,900 | +$6,490 | ||
| Utah | $72,760 | $77,310 | $-4,550 | ||
| Virginia | $70,460 | $65,870 | +$4,590 | ||
| Washington | $122,900 | $102,080 | +$20,820 | ||
| West Virginia | $52,490 | $56,960 | $-4,470 | ||
| Wisconsin | $66,600 | $78,090 | $-11,490 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Fire Inspectors and Investigators vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Fire Inspectors and Investigators or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
On average across all states, a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns more than a Fire Inspectors and Investigators. The national median salary difference is $748 (1.0%) based on 2025 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 26 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 17 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 $73,431 per year, compared to $74,180 for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, according to 2025 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 12,790 Fire Inspectors and Investigators positions and 670,500 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide (2025).
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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