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Fire Protection Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Protection information

See Illinois salary details

$25.7K

$60.7K

$96.9K

How much do fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection in Illinois is $60,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire protection?

Fire protection jobs involve roles dedicated to preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires to protect people, property, and the environment. These positions can include firefighters, fire inspectors, fire prevention specialists, and engineers who design fire safety systems. Responsibilities may range from emergency response to public education, safety inspections, and the maintenance of fire protection equipment. Professionals in this field work for fire departments, government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms. Fire protection jobs require specialized training and, in many cases, certifications or licenses.

What are some common challenges faced by fire protection professionals in maintaining compliance with evolving safety codes?

Fire protection professionals often encounter challenges in staying current with frequently updated fire safety codes and regulations. This requires continuous learning and close collaboration with local authorities, engineers, and building managers to ensure systems remain compliant. Managing retrofits in older buildings and coordinating inspections can also present logistical difficulties. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise and become a valuable resource within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fire protection, and why are they important?

To excel in Fire Protection, you need a solid understanding of fire safety codes, risk assessment, and system design, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as NICET. Familiarity with fire alarm systems, suppression technologies, CAD software, and inspection tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the accurate design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, which are critical for safeguarding lives and property.

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

AspectFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNFPA certifications, state licensesNICET certification, state licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, inspect fire suppression systemsInstall, maintain, troubleshoot fire alarm systems
Industry UsageFire safety systems, suppression systemsAlarm systems, detection devices
Common Search/ComparisonFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician

Fire Protection professionals focus on designing, installing, and maintaining fire suppression systems like sprinklers and extinguishers. Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in installing and servicing fire alarm and detection systems. While both roles ensure fire safety, Fire Protection covers a broader range of systems, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians concentrate on alarm systems specifically.

Is a fire protection job a stressful job?

A fire protection job can be stressful due to the high-risk environment, emergency response responsibilities, and the need for quick decision-making. It often requires physical fitness, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols, which can contribute to job-related stress levels.

Is fire protection a good career?

Fire protection is a viable career that involves preventing and responding to fires, often requiring certifications such as NICET or state licenses. It offers opportunities in safety management, inspection, and emergency response, with a focus on protecting lives and property. The job typically involves working in various environments, including industrial, commercial, and residential settings.

What skills are needed for fire protection jobs?

Fire protection jobs require strong knowledge of fire safety protocols, building codes, and fire suppression systems. Skills in inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fire alarm and sprinkler systems are essential, along with attention to detail and safety awareness. Certifications such as NICET or state-specific licenses are often required or preferred.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Fire Protection jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection jobs in Illinois?

For Fire Protection jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Fire Protection jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Fire Protection job openings:

Fire Protection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Protection job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,724 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Senior Fire Protection Engineer - Mission Critical

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Description
The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will lead the design work on multi-discipline projects and lead the preparation of comprehensive fire protection packages including fire suppression, fire alarm, smoke management, and life safety. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
  • Lead the design, specification, and multi-discipline coordination of the following fire protection systems: Wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action, deluge, and foam/water fire suppression systems. Fire water supply infrastructure including fire water storage tanks, fire pumps, underground and aboveground distribution piping and associated appurtenances. Outdoor fire suppression systems including monitors, spray systems, and exposure protection systems. Addressable and non-addressable voice evacuation fire alarm systems including initiation devices, supervision devices, and audible and visual notification appliances. Releasing systems for pre-action, foam/water, and clean agent systems.
  • Quality review the fire protection calculations including the hydraulic analysis of fire water supply and demand, battery calculations, and voltage drop calculations.
  • Lead the evaluation of building and life safety requirements including building area and height limitations, building construction types, fire resistive assemblies and opening protections, occupancy classifications, hazards, building egress, and active and passive smoke management systems.
  • Quality review the construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, review of contractor shop drawings and calculations, field inspections, and testing of fire protection systems.
  • Lead project teams to perform site evaluations and documentation of existing fire protection systems.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities.
  • Manage sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Manage the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to the fire protection practice.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Bachelor Degree in Fire Protection or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. and 7 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Master Degree in Fire Protection Engineering and 6 years fire protection engineering experience.
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Expert knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, FM Global datasheets, military standards, and refinery/industrial API guidelines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Ability to lead project/discipline design teams.
  • Expert in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access authorization to facilities and data of existing and potential clients, including, but not limited to DOE, aerospace, military, food and consumer product manufacturers, pharmaceutical, laboratories, and others necessary to perform work.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred
  • NICET certification in Water-Based System Layout (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.
  • NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.
  • NICET certification in Special Hazard Systems (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is preferred.

Compensation
$145,000.00-220,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Fire Protection Engineer
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 251330
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-EH #GFS

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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