The median pay for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists is $56,870 a year ($27.34/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 13.1% through 2035, with about 400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 33-2022
- Protective Service
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $56,870a year, or $27.34/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $35KTop 10% $105K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +13.1%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+13.1%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +13.1% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4003,000 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20253K
- Projected 20353.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 3K Projected 2035 3.4K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school31.6%
- Certificate8.9%
- Some college17.5%
- Associate's17.9%
- Bachelor's24%
Highest education held by forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists Segment Value High school 31.6% Certificate 8.9% Some college 17.5% Associate's 17.9% Bachelor's 24%
Also advertised as: Fire Management Officer, Fire Operations Forester, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Prevention Technician, Fire Technician, Forest Officer.
Pay
How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make?
Every forest fire inspector and prevention specialist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$56,870
Middle half earn $43,760 to $81,500
- 10th
- $35,420
- 25th
- $43,760
- 75th
- $81,500
- 90th
- $105,460
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,420 |
| 25th | $43,760 |
| Median | $56,870 |
| 75th | $81,500 |
| 90th | $105,460 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $56,870
- Median hourly wage
- $27.34/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $66,640
- People employed
- 2,780
Versus all US occupations
At $56,870, Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists earn 12% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $5,890 a year.
Versus protective service occupations
Inside the Protective Service group, where the middle occupation pays $74,060, this is 23% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $105,460 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,420, a gap of 3.0×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 29% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
California posts the highest raw median ($97,370), but once local prices are taken into account Utah leads at $91,054 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1California | $97,370 | $87,943 | 480 |
| 2Utah | $90,020 | $91,054 | 50 |
| 3Louisiana | $75,480 | $85,571 | 90 |
| 4Oregon | $73,530 | $71,139 | 140 |
| 5Maine | $68,310 | $70,386 | 60 |
| 6Oklahoma | $61,700 | $70,239 | 310 |
| 7Arizona | $58,570 | $58,176 | 40 |
| 8New Jersey | $57,380 | $52,737 | 140 |
| 9Florida | $51,690 | $49,984 | 100 |
| 10Colorado | $50,170 | $48,684 | 210 |
Job outlook
Is Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +13.1% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | +13.1% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists to change 13.1% over 2025–2035, roughly 3.7× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 400 openings are projected each year, 13.3% of the 3,000 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of fire inspectors varies by occupation (see table).
Fire inspectors will be needed to assess potential fire hazards in newly constructed residential, commercial, public, and other buildings. Fire inspectors also will be needed to ensure that existing buildings meet updated federal, state, and local fire codes. Although the number of structural fires occurring across the country has been falling for some time, fire investigators will still be needed to determine the cause of fires and explosions.
Getting in
How to become a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist
To enter the occupation, fire inspectors typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent and work experience as a firefighter or in a related occupation. Once hired, they typically receive on-the-job-training in inspection and investigation.
Fire inspectors usually must pass a background check, which may include a drug test. Employers also typically require that candidates have a valid driver’s license. Because of their police powers, investigators and inspectors may need to be U.S. citizens. They also may need certification.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
Less than 5 years
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31.6%
- Bachelor's Degree24%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree17.9%
- Some College Courses17.5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 31.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 24% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 17.9% |
| Some College Courses | 17.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 8.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist do?
Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire codes, and investigate causes of fires.
Day-to-day tasks
- Maintain records and logbooks.
- Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
- Educate the public about fire safety and prevention.
- Conduct wildland firefighting training.
- Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.
- Extinguish smaller fires with portable extinguishers, shovels, and axes.
- Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
- Examine and inventory firefighting equipment, such as axes, fire hoses, shovels, pumps, buckets, and fire extinguishers, to determine amount and condition.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most fire inspectors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Their schedules may include evenings, weekends, and holidays because they must be ready to respond when fires occur.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals70%
- State government, excluding education and hospitals11%
- Finance and insurance3%
- Educational services; state, local, and private2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 70% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 11% |
| Finance and insurance | 3% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Speaking3.8
- Active Listening3.6
- Monitoring3.4
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Writing3.1
- Learning Strategies3.1
- Active Learning3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 3.8 |
| Active Listening | 3.6 |
| Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Coordination3.8
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6
- Complex Problem Solving3.5
- Instructing3.3
- Time Management3.1
- Management of Personnel Resources3.1
- Social Perceptiveness3.0
- Persuasion3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 3.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.5 |
| Instructing | 3.3 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Application server software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Configuration management software · in demand
- Customer relationship management CRM software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Expert system software · in demand
- File versioning software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 4 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.3
- Conventional4.6
- Investigative3.6
- Enterprising3.4
- Social3.2
- Artistic1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist
O*NET related occupations
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Most earn $53K to $140K
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Median annual pay, with forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists highlighted
- Detective and Criminal Investigator$93,790
- Intelligence Analyst$93,790
- Police Officer$76,210
- Custom and Border Protection Officer$76,210
- Firefighter$59,280
- Correctional Officer and Jailer$58,940
- Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist$56,870
- Private Detective and Investigator$51,220
- Security Guard$38,020
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Detective and Criminal Investigator | $93,790 |
| Intelligence Analyst | $93,790 |
| Police Officer | $76,210 |
| Custom and Border Protection Officer | $76,210 |
| Firefighter | $59,280 |
| Correctional Officer and Jailer | $58,940 |
| Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist | $56,870 |
| Private Detective and Investigator | $51,220 |
| Security Guard | $38,020 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist appears on
Questions
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist: frequently asked questions
How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make?
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists earn a median of $56,870 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 12% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $27.34/hr. The middle half earn between $43,760 and $81,500. The top 10% earn $105,460 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 31.6% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 13.1% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist do?
Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire codes, and investigate causes of fires. A core O*NET task: maintain records and logbooks. Employers most often ask for Application server software, Cloud-based management software, Configuration management software.
Which states pay Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists the most?
The highest state medians for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists are California ($97,370), Utah ($90,020), Louisiana ($75,480) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Utah moves to the top at $91,054.
What personality type suits a Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist?
O*NET scores Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.