How much does a forest fire inspector make?
Answer: A typical forest fire inspector in the United States makes $56,870 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 3,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Forest fire inspector pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,420 | $56,870 | $105,460 | about 3,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ by state and by employer. More experience, useful skills or certifications, and jobs with greater responsibility may bring higher pay; the hours worked also change total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a forest fire inspector do?
Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
What's a typical day like?
They patrol forests and campsites, checking for fires, hazardous brush, dangerous weather, and unsafe campfires. They report risks, teach fire safety, maintain gear, and may put out small fires or guide crews at large ones.
How to get this job
In the U.S., a high school diploma is the usual minimum; forestry study and land-management experience can help, and some employers prefer a related college degree. Get a driver's license, check local certification rules, then learn on the job.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
They may put out small fires themselves, but at a large wildfire they can direct wildland firefighters.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Protective Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/fire-inspectors-and-investigators.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes332022.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-2022.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY