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Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$97,370
Median Annual Salary
▲ +7.8% vs 2024
$102,750
Mean Salary
$97,370
Median Salary
$46.81
Hourly Rate
480 people work as Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists salary by percentile in California

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

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $56,790$56,79025th25% earn less than $71,880$71,880MedianHalf earn more than $97,370$97,37075th75% earn less than $124,060$124,06090thTop 10% earn more than $169,670$169,670

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California earn a median salary of $97,370 per year ($8,114/month). This is 63.8% above the national average of $59,449. California ranks #1 out of 15 states for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists pay. Approximately 480 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 7.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
4.0
Speaking
3.75
Coordination
3.75
Active Listening
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.62

Key Knowledge Areas

Administration and Management
4.05
Customer and Personal Service
3.82
Education and Training
3.74
Personnel and Human Resources
3.73
Public Safety and Security
3.69
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (31.6% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California

Salaries for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California range from $56,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $169,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $71,880 and $124,060.

Median $97,370
P10: $56,790 P25: $71,880 P75: $124,060 P90: $169,670
10th
$56,790
25th
$71,880
Median
$97,370
75th
$124,060
90th
$169,670
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $56,790 $27.30 $4,732
25th Percentile $71,880 $34.56 $5,990
Median (50th) $97,370 $46.81 $8,114
75th Percentile $124,060 $59.64 $10,338
90th Percentile (Experienced) $169,670 $81.57 $14,139

Note: The mean (average) salary of $102,750 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 15 states
$59,449
National avg. for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
+63.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Data in California

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Salary by State

Compare Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in California?
The median annual salary for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California is $97,370 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $102,750.
What is the salary range for a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California?
Salaries for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California range from $56,790 at the 10th percentile to $169,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $71,880 and $124,060.
What is the starting salary for a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California?
Entry-level Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists positions in California typically start around $56,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $71,880 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 480 people are employed as Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in California is approximately $46.81 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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