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Fire Alarm Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fire alarm and mass notification system design. * Building code and life safety code analysis ... This may include field inspections and witnessing acceptance testing. * Investigate existing water ...

Maintenance Technician

IL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Conduct daily inspections of the Main Fire Alarm Panel and annunciator panels. * Perform required daily, weekly, monthly, and annual testing of fire alarm systems as assigned. * Inspect smoke ...

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Fire Alarm Inspector information

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$14

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$37

How much do fire alarm inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire alarm inspector in Chicago, IL is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fire alarm inspector do?

A fire alarm inspector is responsible for inspecting a building or house to ensure its fire alarm systems comply with all local, state, and federal fire safety regulations. You focus on the proper function of the alarm systems but also inspect other systems that support fire safety. Your job duties also include testing all fire safety equipment in the building, ensuring fire extinguishers are working properly, and checking for properly marked fire exits. You typically work for state or local governments although there are private sector opportunities available.

What does a fire alarm inspector do?

A Fire Alarm Inspector is responsible for examining, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems in buildings to ensure they comply with safety codes and regulations. They inspect wiring, control panels, alarm devices, and related equipment to verify proper installation and operation. The inspector documents findings, performs necessary repairs or recommends corrective actions, and provides reports to building owners or managers. Their work helps ensure that fire alarm systems will function correctly in case of an emergency, safeguarding lives and property.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire alarm inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Inspector, you need knowledge of fire alarm systems, understanding of local codes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant certifications like NICET. Familiarity with inspection and testing tools, building plans, and digital reporting systems is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors accurately assess systems and convey findings to clients or authorities. These skills ensure fire alarm systems are compliant and functional, which is critical for public safety and regulatory adherence.

What are some common challenges fire alarm inspectors face during routine inspections?

Fire Alarm Inspectors often encounter challenges such as accessing hard-to-reach or secured areas to test equipment, ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, and coordinating inspections around building occupants' schedules. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot systems that are outdated or have been poorly maintained, requiring both technical expertise and effective communication with property managers. Staying current with the latest technology and regulatory standards is essential to perform thorough and compliant inspections.

What is the difference between Fire Alarm Inspector vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire Alarm InspectorFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsTypically requires NICET certification, state licensingOften requires NICET certification, manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting installed systems, ensuring complianceInstalling, repairing, maintaining fire alarm systems
Job FocusInspection and compliance verificationSystem installation and troubleshooting

While both roles involve fire alarm systems, Fire Alarm Inspectors focus on inspecting and ensuring compliance, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Both require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their primary responsibilities differ.

Are fire alarm inspectors in demand?

Fire alarm inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing safety regulations and building codes that require regular inspections of fire alarm systems. Employment opportunities are often available in the construction, maintenance, and safety industries, with certifications such as NICET enhancing job prospects.

How long does it take to become a fire alarm inspector?

Becoming a fire alarm inspector typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or apprenticeship that can last from several months to a year. Many inspectors also obtain certifications such as NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies), which may require additional study and experience before certification is granted.

Is becoming a fire alarm inspector hard?

Becoming a fire alarm inspector requires technical knowledge of fire alarm systems, safety codes, and inspection procedures, often gained through training and certification. The job involves attention to detail and adherence to regulations, but with proper training and experience, it is manageable for those interested in safety and building systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Alarm Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Alarm Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Alarm Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Alarm Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,768 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

exp Federal

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Job description

Fire Protection Engineer – Mid-Level PE, FPE
Location: Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA
Exp Federal delivers full-service Architecture & Engineering services, construction, and facility management services throughout the world. Exp Federal's mission is to provide superior technical solutions to the U.S. federal government utilizing skilled personnel familiar with working throughout the United States and overseas.

The Challenge
We are seeking a Fire Protection Engineer, PE, FPE to join our full-service Architectural Design team in our Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA office. The fire protection engineer is expected to collaborate with architects and engineers in developing comprehensive fire protection and life safety system design packages.

Principal Areas of Responsibility:

  • Fire suppression system design including but not limited to fire sprinkler systems (wet & dry), pre-action system, high & low expansion foam suppression system, clean agent system, standpipe system, and fire pump system.
  • Smoke control system and stairwell pressurization system design.
  • Fire alarm and mass notification system design.
  • Building code and life safety code analysis.
  • Prepare design drawings, specifications, basis of design, and other design documents necessary for a project from start to finish as the designer of record.
  • Prepare hydraulic calculations using computer generated software (e.g. HASS)
  • Review contractor submittal packages (e.g. shop drawings, product data, and calculations), respond to RFIs, and provide construction phase services support. This may include field inspections and witnessing acceptance testing.
  • Investigate existing water supply utility and conduct hydrant flow test.
  • Investigate existing buildings for deficiencies and code violations.
  • Travels onsite for client meetings and site inspections and visits: ~25% requirement

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection or other related degree from an accredited university
  • 5+ years of Fire Protection Engineering experience in the A&E industry.
  • Fire Protection Engineering License - FPE (in any state)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA codes and standards
  • Experience with HASS and / or other hydraulic calculation software system
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance is required.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in REVIT and AutoCAD
  • Experience of FDS and CONTAM
  • Experience in Fire Dynamics, Egress Modeling, and Risk Analysis

Optional Experience:

  • Experience with facilities for clients in the Federal Government sector is highly desirable.

Salary Base:

This full-time position as a Fire Protection Engineer, level III has an annual base range of $119,800-$142,900. This position is eligible for overtime in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements. The actual hourly rate is based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.

More About Us:

Exp Federal delivers full-service Architectural & Engineering and Design-Build solutions. You will be part of an expanding team that works collaboratively across our wider exp Federal design studios. As part of a project team, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that keep you engaged and showcase your individual talents. We believe in identifying potential in people and then providing opportunities to achieve success.

Our employees work on complex projects that require innovative, efficient solutions, and collaboration across various disciplines. Joining our team is a commitment to meaningful work supporting federal government clients across multiple sectors. Employees and clients alike will look to you for results that exceed their expectations.

Our Values:

Respect: We respect people, honor diversity, and treat each other fairly. These are the cornerstones of our culture and the key to our culture and the key to our ability to work successfully as a global team.

Unquestioned Integrity: We operate with the highest standards of honesty and responsibility – as individuals and as a corporation. We’re people who meet routine, everyday obligations with honesty.

Safety: We place the highest priority on the health and safety of our employees and protection of our assets and the environment. Our goal is zero work-related injuries.

Customer Service: We listen and respond to the changing needs of our customers, the industry, and the environment, and draw upon lessons learned from our experiences around the world.

Impeccable Quality: We recognize that quality is fundamental in all our operations — it is everyone’s responsibility. We have established procedures, assessments, and continuous improvement processes in place to ensure the quality of our work.

Sustainability: We understand the impact of our work on the environment and that sustainability is a part of everything we do. We work with customers to provide responsible, efficient, healthy, and effective project solutions to reduce our overall environmental impact.

What We Offer:

  • Exponential full-time professional growth and development
  • ⏩ Fast-paced and professional work culture
  • ⚕ ️Health insurance including medical, dental, and vision
    1. Health Savings Account and Flexible Savings Account options
    2. Company HSA funding contributions
  • ???? Company-sponsored Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • ???? 401(k) employer match
  • ???? ️Wellness reimbursement on fitness memberships and other qualified programs
  • ????️ Pre-tax funds on qualified transportation and parking expenses
  • ???? Learning & Development tuition reimbursement
  • ????️ Generous PTO policy

What Happens Next?

Our Talent Engagement Team will contact you via email to let you know what next steps at exp Federal look like for you! Make sure to check your spam. Don’t worry, if you are not selected to move forward in the interview process, we will keep your resume on file for future opportunities you may be a better fit for.

*Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.

Exp Federal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression. U.S. Citizenship is required for our positions in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1324b.2c.

Should you need any special accommodations, please feel free to contact us at human.resources@expfederal.com and we will arrange for the most suitable accommodations based on your needs.

Beware of Fraudulent Job Postings

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of exp Federal/exp Federal Pacific to post fraudulent job postings. We will never charge a fee for joining our company or to vet the authenticity of an employee or applicant.

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