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Fire Inspector Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Orange County, NC

Fire and Life Safety Inspector*

NC · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

An employee in this class has responsibility for conducting inspections, performing enforcement conducting testing of fire protection equipment and construction components, seizing, or arranging ...

Eagle Fire

Fire Sprinkler Inspector

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Relocation Assistance The Field Technician (Inspector) is responsible for testing, repairing, and inspecting fixed fire protection systems and their components to ensure proper functionality and ...

Summit Fire & Security

Fire Alarm Inspector

Raleigh, NC

$20 - $26/hr

Inspect, test, and maintain fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA codes with working knowledge of sprinkler controls, alarm panels, devices and critical components. * Record and report ...

Summit Companies

Fire Alarm Inspector

Raleigh, NC

$20 - $26/hr

Inspect, test, and maintain fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA codes with working knowledge of sprinkler controls, alarm panels, devices and critical components. * Record and report ...

The Hiller Companies

Fire Alarm Inspector

Apex, NC · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

The Hiller Companies, LLC has an immediate opening for Fire Alarm Inspector . If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for fire protection and safety, we invite you to apply today. The ...

VSC Fire & Security

Inspection Sales

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

VSC Fire & Security delivers integrated, cutting-edge fire protection, life safety and security ... inspections. VSC Fire and Security in Raleigh, North Carolina is seeking candidates for the ...

AI Fire

Fire Alarm Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are a full-service fire protection company, providing installation, maintenance, inspection, monitoring, and retrofit of fire safety systems. Come join a dynamic team of fire protection ...

AI Fire

Fire Sprinkler Foreman

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are a full-service fire protection company, providing installation, maintenance, inspection, monitoring, and retrofit of fire safety systems. Come join a dynamic team of fire protection ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Inspector JobsFire Inspector Jobs in Durham, NC

Fire Inspector information

See Durham, NC salary details

$36.2K

$61.4K

$95.2K

How much do fire inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire inspector in Durham, NC is $61,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,200.00 and $70,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Fire inspectors with specialized skills, such as fire protection engineers or those with advanced certifications and extensive experience, tend to earn higher salaries. Senior-level inspectors working in large urban areas or for government agencies also typically receive higher pay. Certifications like NICET or state licenses can contribute to increased earnings in this field.

What Is a Fire Inspector?

A fire inspector is responsible for inspecting existing and new buildings to ensure that they are up to code and do not present any fire hazards. It is a fire inspector’s job to test and examine fire prevention measures, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans. A large company may perform a fire safety drill for the inspector to oversee and provide feedback. For new building projects, a fire inspector supervises and approves fire prevention measures to ensure they meet state regulations. The job of fire inspector should not be confused with that of fire investigator. An investigator examines extinguished fires to find the source. An inspector examines buildings to prevent a fire from starting.

What is the difference between Fire Inspector vs Fire Investigator?

AspectFire InspectorFire Investigator
CertificationsFire Inspector Certification, State Fire Marshal LicenseFire Investigator Certification, State Fire Marshal License
Work EnvironmentInspections of buildings, code enforcement, safety assessmentsInvestigating fire causes, scene analysis, evidence collection
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, commercial propertiesFire departments, law enforcement, insurance companies
Primary FocusPreventing fires, ensuring code complianceDetermining fire origin and cause

While both Fire Inspectors and Fire Investigators work within fire safety, Fire Inspectors focus on prevention and code enforcement through building inspections, whereas Fire Investigators analyze fire scenes to determine causes. Their roles often overlap but serve different stages of fire safety and investigation processes.

How to become a firefighter inspector?

To become a firefighter inspector, candidates typically need a combination of firefighting experience, such as working as a firefighter or emergency responder, and specialized training in fire codes and inspection procedures. Many states require certification through programs like the Fire Inspector I and II certifications, which involve coursework and exams. Gaining knowledge of fire prevention, safety standards, and inspection tools is essential for this role.

What are Fire Inspectors?

Fire Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining buildings and properties to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal fire codes and regulations. They look for potential fire hazards, check fire prevention systems, and educate property owners about fire safety practices. Fire Inspectors may also investigate the causes of fires and help develop fire safety plans to prevent future incidents. Their work is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of fires and improve public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of fire codes, building safety regulations, and inspection procedures, typically supported by relevant certifications or formal fire science training. Familiarity with inspection software, fire modeling tools, and reporting systems is crucial for accurate documentation and analysis. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help Fire Inspectors work collaboratively with property owners and emergency personnel. These skills ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize fire risks, and protect communities from potential hazards.

What are some of the common challenges fire inspectors face during building inspections?

Fire inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving fire codes, addressing resistance or lack of cooperation from property owners, and identifying hidden hazards in older or non-standard buildings. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, often working on tight schedules while maintaining accuracy in their reports. Good communication and up-to-date technical knowledge are essential to overcome these challenges and ensure public safety.

How hard is it to become a fire inspector?

Becoming a fire inspector typically requires a combination of education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience as a firefighter or in a related field. Many states also require certification or licensing, which involves passing exams and gaining relevant training, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual qualifications and local requirements.

Are fire inspectors in demand?

Fire inspectors are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for fire safety inspections in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Employment for fire inspectors is expected to grow as safety regulations become more stringent and building codes evolve, often requiring certifications and knowledge of fire prevention techniques.
More about Fire Inspector jobs
What are popular job titles related to Fire Inspector jobs in Durham, NC? For Fire Inspector jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Inspector jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Inspector jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Fire Inspector jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Fire Inspector job openings:
Fire Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Inspector job openings in Durham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,400 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Fire and Life Safety Inspector*

Fire and Life Safety Inspector*

Orange County Government

Hillsborough, NC

$59K - $78K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

General Description The Orange County Emergency Services Department has an opening for a Fire and Life Safety Inspector. The work involves the responsibility for enforcing the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code and assisting with planning and implementing fire prevention activities. An employee in this class has responsibility for conducting inspections, performing enforcement conducting testing of fire protection equipment and construction components, seizing, or arranging removal of hazardous materials, reviewing construction plans for commercial development and renovations, and participating in County and municipal review processes and discussions related to proposed developments.

This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. This may also include reporting for activation of the EOC, hazardous weather events, events that takes down power and internet services, disasters, building emergencies and at the directive of the County Manager, Director of Emergency Services, or management in charge. Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Marshal with leeway to exercise independent judgment within local, state, and federal regulations and procedures, prioritizing multiple work assignments, planning, and accomplishing projects, addressing, customer needs and initiative in work methods.

Supervision over others is not required of this position. The position may be required to act as a team leader. Position does related work as required.

* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. SBI Background Check is required. Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Click the link below for full job specifications including essential functions, knowledge, skill, abilities, and physical requirements.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/orangecountync/classspecs/1739203 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Emergency Management, or related field AND two (2) years of fire service experience and demonstrated experience with solving issues in a team environment, OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

Possession of North Carolina certification as a NC Probationary Fire Inspector II or NC Certified Fire Inspector II is required at hire. Possession of NC Certified Fire and Life Safety Educator I is required at hire. Possession of NC Certified Fire Fighter II is preferred.

Ability to obtain Probationary NC Fire Inspector Level III certification within five (5) years of hire. May be required to possess additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal. All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared. Participation in the County Drug and Alcohol Screening program is required. Required to serve as essential personnel and must be able to remain available for immediate call-in due to any natural or manmade disaster, or any other event deemed necessary and be able to work outside of regular business hours.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Supplemental Information

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