Employment of fire inspectors and investigators is expected to grow 9 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than average for all occupations.
As cities and other areas grow, there are more buildings to inspect and fires to investigate. Employment of fire inspectors and investigators should grow as the population grows.
Public demand for new and revised codes to make buildings safer will continue. For example working sprinklers will become more commonplace in residential buildings. However, while building codes are always evolving, the demand for inspectors and investigators won’t necessarily increase.
Jobseekers should expect limited opportunities due to competition for limited positions. Those who have experience in fire suppression, have completed some fire suppression education at a community college, or have experience and training related to criminal investigation should have an advantage.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition