Salary Range
$25,000 to $100,000+Overview
Fire investigators analyze the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires involving loss of life and considerable property damage; interview witnesses and prepare investigation reports; and arrest and seek prosecution of arsonists. They also investigate explosions. They work for local fire departments, state fire marshal’s offices, and private companies. Approximately 14,900 fire investigators and inspectors are employed in the United States.
Minimum Education Level
Some Postsecondary TrainingCertification/License
RecommendedOutlook
About as Fast as the AveragePersonality Traits
Hands On
Helpful
Scientific
Career Ladder
Fire Marshal or Fire Captain
Fire Investigator
Firefighter, or Fire Inspector, or Fire Safety Technician
Related Professions
- Airport Security Personnel
- Armored Truck Drivers
- Bail Bondsmen
- Bodyguards
- Border Patrol Agents
- Bounty Hunters
- Chief Information Security Officers
- Construction Inspectors
- Corrections Officers
- Crime Analysts
- Cryptographic Technicians
- Customs Officials
- Cybersecurity Architects
- Deputy U.S. Marshals
- Detectives
- Directors of Security
- Emergency Management Directors
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Emergency Services Dispatchers
- FBI Agents
- Fire Inspectors
- Fire Protection Engineers
- Fire Safety Directors
- Fire Safety Technicians
- Firefighters
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Experts
- Forest Fire Prevention Specialists
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts
- Genetic Genealogists
- Intelligence Officers
- Internet Security Specialists
- Locksmiths
- Loss Prevention Managers
- Park Rangers
- Parole Officers
- Personal Privacy Advisors
- Police Officers
- Polygraph Examiners
- Private Investigators
- Secret Service Special Agents
- Security Consultants
- Security Guards
- Security Systems Installers and Workers
- Wildland Firefighters