Protective Services · Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$53–65k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$54–63k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+3.8% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 3.8% from 2024 to 2034; about 2 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Investigators
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Experienced Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Senior Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Director of Protective Services
You prioritize Achievement
This career is strongly aligned with Achievement — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Speaking
Speaking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
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355 schools offer programs in this career field.
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