Fire Inspector

Your Fit

Income

$86K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Fire Inspector?

A Fire Inspector is responsible for assessing buildings and other structures to ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. They play a critical role in preventing fires and enhancing public safety through inspections, code enforcement, and fire safety education.

Sample job titles:

Arson Investigator, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention Inspector

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Fire Inspector.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Fire Inspector earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Fire Inspector.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$64K per year	$86K per year	$101K per year	$117K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $21K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Fire Inspector do?

Work environment

Fire Inspectors typically work for municipal fire departments, government agencies, or private consulting firms. Their work involves visiting various sites, including commercial buildings, residential properties, and industrial facilities, to conduct inspections and provide fire safety recommendations.

Quick task list

Inspects buildings to ensure they meet fire codes and standards.
Identifies fire hazards and recommends corrective actions.
Reviews and approves building plans for fire safety compliance.
Investigates fire incidents to determine their cause.
Conducts fire safety education programs for the public.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Commercial Fire Inspection: Specializing in inspecting commercial properties like offices, malls, and hotels.
Residential Fire Inspection: Focusing on fire safety in homes and apartment buildings.
Industrial Fire Inspection: Concentrating on fire risks in industrial settings, such as factories and warehouses.
Fire Investigation: Determining the cause of fires and gathering evidence for potential legal actions.
Fire Prevention Education: Specializing in educating the community about fire safety and prevention practices.

Description

Fire Inspectors are essential in ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants. They require a detailed understanding of fire codes and the ability to identify potential fire hazards. A significant part of their job involves communicating with building owners, managers, and the public to educate them about fire risks and prevention measures.

This career involves both office work, such as reviewing building plans and writing reports, and fieldwork, including conducting on-site inspections. Fire Inspectors must stay updated on the latest fire safety technologies, building materials, and fire codes. They often collaborate with fire departments, building contractors, and government officials.

Fire Inspectors play a proactive role in fire prevention, making the job rewarding for those dedicated to public safety. It requires a keen eye for detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Continuous learning and adaptation are key, as fire safety regulations and technologies continually evolve.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the safety and well-being of the community by preventing fires.
The variety of work, including both field inspections and investigative tasks.
The intellectual challenge of staying current with fire safety codes and technologies.

You might make a good Fire Inspector if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a keen eye for identifying safety hazards.
Knowledgeable about construction, building systems, and fire safety codes.
Effective at communicating and educating others about fire safety.
Interested in a career that combines investigative work with public service.
Able to make decisive recommendations and enforce regulations.

Pros:

Rewarding career with a direct impact on public safety.
Diverse work environment, including both office and fieldwork.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

Cons:

The job can be stressful, particularly when dealing with non-compliant property owners or after a tragic fire incident.
Physical demands of on-site inspections, including navigating through tight spaces or hazardous conditions.
Responsibility for enforcing regulations can sometimes lead to confrontational situations.

How to become a Fire Inspector

Typical education

Most fire inspectors have a background as firefighters and therefore require the education and training associated with that role, typically a high school diploma and extensive training in firefighting. Additionally, specific training in fire inspection and code enforcement, which may include postsecondary coursework or certification, is required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Chemistry and Physics to understand fire behavior and safety.
Technical Drawing or Drafting to aid in understanding building plans.
Communication courses for effective report writing and public speaking.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with local fire departments or community safety programs.
Participating in public speaking clubs like Toastmasters to enhance communication skills.
Joining emergency preparedness or first responder training programs.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a degree or certification in fire science, engineering, or a related field.
Gain experience in firefighting or a related role.
Obtain certification as a fire inspector, which may require passing an examination.

More resources

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Offers extensive resources on fire codes and safety standards.
International Code Council (ICC) - Provides certification and training for fire safety and building code professionals.
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) - Offers resources and training for fire investigation professionals.
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) - Provides training and educational resources for fire prevention and safety.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.