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Life Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Life Safety Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.6K

$89.8K

$133.9K

How much do life safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for life safety inspector in Chicago, IL is $89,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Life Safety Inspector do?

A Life Safety Inspector is responsible for evaluating buildings and facilities to ensure they comply with fire safety and life safety codes. This includes inspecting fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and other safety equipment to verify they are functioning properly and meet regulatory standards. Life Safety Inspectors also document their findings, provide recommendations for corrections, and may conduct follow-up inspections. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of building occupants.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Among life safety inspectors, those specializing in fire safety or working in high-risk industries tend to earn higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and certifications. Senior inspectors with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or supervisory roles also typically receive higher pay. Salary can vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

Can I be a health inspector without a college degree?

A Life Safety Inspector typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education or relevant certifications. While a college degree is not always mandatory, having knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and inspection procedures is essential for the role.

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

To thrive as a Life Safety Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of fire codes, building safety regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications such as NICET or state licensure. Familiarity with inspection software, fire alarm and suppression systems, and digital reporting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors accurately assess risks and educate stakeholders. These competencies are critical to ensuring compliance, preventing hazards, and protecting lives and property.

What is the difference between Life Safety Inspector vs Fire Inspector?

AspectLife Safety InspectorFire Inspector
CertificationsOSHA, Fire Safety, Building CodesNFPA, Fire Prevention, Building Codes
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, residential buildingsFire departments, inspection agencies
Employer & IndustryConstruction, safety agencies, property managementMunicipal fire departments, fire prevention offices

Both roles focus on safety and building compliance, but a Life Safety Inspector primarily assesses overall safety standards, while a Fire Inspector concentrates on fire prevention and fire code enforcement. The roles often overlap, especially in safety inspections, but their specific focus areas differ based on certifications and employer settings.

How much do safety inspectors make in the US?

Safety inspectors, including life safety inspectors, typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000 in the US. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the specific industry or environment they work in, such as construction, fire safety, or building inspections.

What is the highest paid safety job?

The highest paid safety jobs often include roles such as Safety Director, Corporate Safety Manager, or Industrial Safety Engineer, especially in large corporations or high-risk industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or manufacturing. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries reaching six figures or more annually.

What are some common challenges faced by Life Safety Inspectors during site inspections?

Life Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as accessing restricted or hard-to-reach areas, interpreting complex building codes, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like building managers and contractors. Ensuring compliance while minimizing disruptions to building operations can also be difficult. Successful inspectors rely on strong communication and problem-solving skills to address these obstacles and maintain safety standards.
What are popular job titles related to Life Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Life Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Life Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Life Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Life Safety Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,799 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Nuclear Safety Inspector I

Nuclear Safety Inspector I

State of Illinois

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.5K/mo

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


State Of Illinois rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 57084 Opening Date: 07/08/2026Closing Date: 07/29/2026Agency: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland SecurityClass Title: NUCLEAR SAFETY INSPECTOR I - 83738 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $5,572 monthly; Full Range $5,572 - $7,898 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full Time County: DuPage; CookNumber of Vacancies: 2Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
About the Agency: Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to better preparing the State of Illinois for natural, manmade, or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. IEMA-OHS coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA-OHS assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan. IEMA-OHS is also responsible for protecting Illinois residents from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, administering more than two dozen programs to protect citizens and the environment. Programs include extensive emergency planning and response efforts and training for local responders for accidents involving radiation; inspecting and regulating radioactive materials licensees; registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities. IEMA-OHS also monitors 11 nuclear power reactors at six nuclear stations licensed to generate electricity in Illinois and inspects and escorts spent nuclear fuel shipments.
This position is a NON-CODE union position. Provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Resume Preferred but not Required
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger-something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule-flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
Join a team committed to protecting public health by ensuring the safe use of x-ray and laser systems throughout Illinois. This position conducts inspections at medical, veterinary, and industrial facilities, measures radiation levels, documents findings, and assists with investigations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The role also provides technical guidance to facility staff, supports radiation safety initiatives, and contributes to emergency response activities while helping maintain a safe environment for Illinois residents. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.
Essential Functions
  • Conducts or assists with x-ray and laser inspections at a variety of medical, veterinary and industrial installations; traveling to locations as necessary.
  • Measures radiation levels using a wide variety of radiation survey equipment for conducting routine x-ray inspections as well as conducting special investigations.
  • Records inspection and investigation results, performs necessary data entry and prepares findings for technical review in accordance with established procedures.
  • Advises and consults with licensed practitioners of the healing arts and other professionals on compliance and quality assurance aspects of x-ray and laser systems.
  • Conducts or assists with routine verification of accredited and/certification of operations and special investigations of reports of unaccredited radiation technologists, or allegations of technical incompetence of radiation technologists in sufficient depth to provide required evidence for legal action, if indicated.Performs the duties of assigned team position as specified in the Standard Operating Procedures of the Illinois Plan for Radiological Accidents.
  • Performs the duties of assigned team position as specified in the Standard Operating Procedures of the Illinois Plan for Radiological Accidents.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonable within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of: (a) a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or physics, supplemented by one (1) year of appropriate experience; or (b) an associate degree in biology, chemistry, or physics, supplemented by three (3) years of appropriate experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefers a formal degree and completion of a program of formal training in x-ray technology of not less than two (2) years duration at a school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association, or two (2) years of college courses leading to an Associate Arts degree in Radiological Technology.
  • Prefers two (2) years of experience operating medical and/or industrial radiography equipment.
  • Prefers one (1) year of experience operating and utilizing radiation detection and machine survey instruments.
  • Prefers one (1) year of experience communicating and collaborating with professionals in the radiological health community.

Conditions of Employment
  • Requires a criminal history check through the Illinois State Police.
  • Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires the ability to use state-issued equipment, such as cellphone, laptop, etc.
  • Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
  • Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
  • This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 8:00a - 4:30p ... Monday - Friday
Headquarter Location: 245 W Roosevelt Rd, West Chicago, Illinois, 60185
Work County: DuPage
Agency Contact: EMA.Jobs@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Environmental & Natural Resources; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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State of Illinois logo

About State of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Illinois is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental entity encompassing diverse agencies and departments that serve the constituents of Illinois. Based in Illinois, United States, this governmental body communicates with its citizens through the official website illinois.gov. The website is a one-stop resource for Illinois residents to access information about the state's services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety, among others.

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, IL, US

Year founded

2009

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