Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Median Salary
54,080
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of fire inspectors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,500 openings for fire inspectors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,100

10%

$54,080

Median

$89,320

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    31%

  • Bachelor's degree

    24%

  • Some college

    17%

  • Associate's degree

    17%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Fire Science/Fire-fighting
  • Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation
  • Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.