Fire Marshal Salary in 2026
Investigate fires and enforce fire safety codes to prevent future incidents.
Median Salary
$75,920
$6,327/mo
Entry Level
$54,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$100,200
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Fire Inspectors and Investigators (SOC 33-2021, the closest published occupation to Fire Marshal) at a national median of $75,920 per year (mean $78,670), or $36.50 per hour, with 13,800 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Fire Marshal Overview
Investigate fires and enforce fire safety codes to prevent future incidents.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
14K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$36.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,327
Fire Marshal Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Fire Marshal salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Fire Marshal Salary
$85,000
$7,083/month · $3,269/biweekly · $40.87/hr
Fire Marshal Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Fire Marshal field.
Entry-level Fire Marshals earn around $54,800, while the top 10% earn $112,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Fire Marshals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $90,000 | +$14,080 |
| New York | $87,000 | +$11,080 |
| Texas | $74,000 | $-1,920 |
| Florida | $74,000 | $-1,920 |
| Ohio | $72,000 | $-3,920 |
Top Paying Cities for Fire Marshals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $90,000 | +$14,080 |
| Los Angeles | $85,000 | +$9,080 |
| Miami | $77,000 | +$1,080 |
| Houston | $75,000 | $-920 |
| Columbus | $71,000 | $-4,920 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Fire Marshal Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Fire Marshal.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Fire Marshal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Fire Marshal from entry level to expert.
$54,800
0-2 years
$78,000
3-7 years
$100,200
8-14 years
$124,400
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Fire Marshal Salary FAQ
How much does a Fire Marshal make in 2026?
The median salary for a Fire Marshal in the United States is $75,920 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Fire Inspectors and Investigators (SOC 33-2021); the mean is $78,670. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $54,800, senior professionals around $100,200, and top earners at $124,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Fire Marshal?
A Fire Marshal typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 5-10 years of experience. Key skills include Fire Investigation, Fire Code, Inspection. Relevant certifications such as State Fire Marshal Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Fire Marshals?
The job market for Fire Marshals is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 14K Fire Marshal positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Fire Marshals the most?
The highest-paying states for Fire Marshals include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $90,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Fire Marshal salary?
To increase your Fire Marshal salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Fire Investigation and Fire Code. Pursue certifications such as State Fire Marshal Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 5-10 years of experience, you can progress from $54,800 to $100,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Fire Marshal Salary
How we calculate Fire Marshal salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Fire Inspectors and Investigators (SOC 33-2021), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $75,920, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Fire Inspectors and Investigators; BLS mean $78,670; BLS hourly median $36.50.
- Entry-level ($54,800) and senior-level ($100,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 13,800 Fire Inspectors and Investigators jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Government sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $75,920; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Fire Marshal compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Fire Marshal job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Government
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Fire Marshal salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Fire Investigation, Fire Code, Inspection), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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