Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
O*NET 33-2022.00 · SOC 33-2022
Forest Fire Inspector is a strong career choice. Median pay is $57k a year with +13.1% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect forests and brush areas for fire hazards.
- →Issue citations for illegal burning or fire code violations.
- →Educate the public about wildfire prevention and safety.
- →Patrol high-risk areas during dry or windy conditions.
- →Investigate the causes and origins of wildland fires.
Education & How to Get In
Most Forest Fire Inspector positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Forest Fire Inspector involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Forest Fire Inspector?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Forest Fire Inspector Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists is projected to grow 13.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Forest Fire Inspector make?
The median Forest Fire Inspector earns $57k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Forest Fire Inspector jobs?
Our model puts Forest Fire Inspector at 29 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Forest Fire Inspector a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 13.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Forest Fire Inspector?
Most Forest Fire Inspector roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Forest Fire Inspector?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Forest Fire Inspector career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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