Fire inspectors and investigators
SOC Code: 33-2021
Fire inspectors and investigators carries a 33% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $78,060 and +3.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 14,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Fire inspectors and investigators (SOC 33-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 33%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 14,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.8% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $78,060, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Fire inspectors and investigators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
- 2. Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
- 3. Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
- 4. Conduct inspections and acceptance testing of newly installed fire protection systems.
- 5. Analyze evidence and other information to determine probable cause of fire or explosion.
- 6. Subpoena and interview witnesses, property owners, and building occupants to obtain information and sworn testimony.
- 7. Photograph damage and evidence related to causes of fires or explosions to document investigation findings.
- 8. Inspect buildings to locate hazardous conditions and fire code violations, such as accumulations of combustible material, electrical wiring problems, and inadequate or non-functional fire exits.
- 9. Examine fire sites and collect evidence such as glass, metal fragments, charred wood, and accelerant residue for use in determining the cause of a fire.
- 10. Instruct children about the dangers of fire.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
- Persuasion
- Instructing
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Fire inspectors and investigators?
Fire inspectors and investigators has an AI exposure score of 33%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Fire inspectors and investigators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Fire inspectors and investigators is projected to grow by 3.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 14,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Fire inspectors and investigators?
Key skills for Fire inspectors and investigators include Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Fire inspectors and investigators earn?
The median annual wage for Fire inspectors and investigators is $78,060, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Fire inspectors and investigators?
The typical entry-level education for Fire inspectors and investigators is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Fire inspectors and investigators?
Fire inspectors and investigators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).