Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist Salary
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists earn a median $56,870 a year nationally. Protective Service Occupations
What 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.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +13.1% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 400
Employment of forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is projected to grow 13.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 400 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,644
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,526
- Medicare (1.45%)$825
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$47,875
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,420 | $17.03 | $30,640 |
| 25th percentile | $43,760 | $21.04 | $37,341 |
| Median (50th) | $56,870 | $27.34 | $47,875 |
| 75th percentile | $81,500 | $39.18 | $66,165 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $105,460 | $50.70 | $83,021 |
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $97,370 | +7.8% | $71,238 | $56,790 – $169,670 | 480 |
| Utah | $90,020 | +16.2% | $69,074 | $73,800 – $106,560 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $75,480 | +1.1% | $60,052 | $34,370 – $102,480 | 90 |
| Oregon | $73,530 | +3.7% | $54,954 | $58,100 – $88,690 | 140 |
| Maine | $68,310 | +3.0% | $53,457 | $54,020 – $79,330 | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $61,700 | −22.2% | $49,525 | $40,370 – $116,430 | 310 |
| Arizona | $58,570 | — | $47,985 | $44,620 – $90,490 | 40 |
| New Jersey | $57,380 | −1.0% | $46,662 | $43,910 – $87,560 | 140 |
| Florida | $51,690 | +5.7% | $43,713 | $45,610 – $73,240 | 100 |
| Colorado | $50,170 | −6.2% | $40,993 | $42,160 – $81,430 | 210 |
| Georgia | $48,010 | +4.0% | $38,887 | $42,640 – $61,080 | 350 |
| Idaho | $47,050 | — | $38,599 | $43,680 – $57,620 | 50 |
| Arkansas | $43,310 | +2.5% | $35,503 | $35,010 – $49,180 | 140 |
| Alabama | $37,430 | +7.2% | $30,649 | $34,720 – $51,490 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $31,720 | +19.9% | $27,130 | $29,890 – $39,750 | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a forest fire inspector and prevention specialist make?
The national median salary for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is $56,870 a year ($27.34 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,420 and the top 10% earn over $105,460. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists the most?
California has the highest median pay at $97,370.
How many forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists are there in the U.S.?
About 2,780 people work as forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists nationwide.