Fire Marshal Salary in 2026
Investigate fires and enforce fire safety codes to prevent future incidents.
Median Salary
$72,000
$6,000/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$95,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
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)
3K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$34.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,000
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
$80,000
$6,667/month · $3,077/biweekly · $38.46/hr
Fire Marshal Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Fire Marshal field.
Entry-level Fire Marshals earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $106,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Fire Marshals
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| New York | $83,000 | +$11,000 |
| Texas | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $68,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Fire Marshals
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| Los Angeles | $81,000 | +$9,000 |
| Miami | $73,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Columbus | $68,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Fire Marshal Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Fire Marshal from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$74,000
3-7 years
$95,000
8-14 years
$118,000
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 $72,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $52,000, while senior professionals earn up to $95,000. Top earners in the field can make $118,000 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 3K 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 $85,000. 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 $52,000 to $95,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Fire Marshal Salary
How we calculate Fire Marshal salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $72,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Fire Marshal in the Government sector.
- Entry-level ($52,000) and senior-level ($95,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 3K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Government sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $72,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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