Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

SOC code 33-2022 · O*NET-SOC 33-2022.00 · Medium preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$56,870

a year

Hourly

$27.34

per hour

10th$35,420Median$56,87090th$105,460

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,640

$32.04 per hour

Middle 50%

$43,760 – $81,500

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,420 – $105,460

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

2,780

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,420; $17.03/hr
25th percentile: $43,760; $21.04/hr
Median percentile: $56,870; $27.34/hr
75th percentile: $81,500; $39.18/hr
90th percentile: $105,460; $50.70/hr

What do forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
Conduct wildland firefighting training.
Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
Direct crews working on firelines during forest fires.
Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
Extinguish smaller fires with portable extinguishers, shovels, and axes.
Patrol assigned areas, looking for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena.
Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
Bachelor's Degree24%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree18%
Some College Courses18%

Common questions

How much does a forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists earn?

The national median is $56,870 a year. The full range runs from $35,420 at the 10th percentile to $105,460 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.0/5
Speaking3.8/5
Active Listening3.6/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Writing3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.7/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Law and Government3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
English Language3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Instructing.