Average Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary in New Jersey
Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $73,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $76,450, suggesting that while the demand is present, specific market dynamics and cost of living factors influence compensation in the Garden State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,150.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 900 Fire Inspectors and Investigators, New Jersey demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.33. This robust presence suggests a healthy and active job market for this specialized role within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey earns-4.4%below the national average.
$35.1
$1,405
$6,089
Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing safety regulations, infrastructure development, and a sustained demand for qualified professionals.
Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary Distribution in New Jersey
Career progression for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $45,700 | $22 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $54,803 | $26.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $69,090 | $33.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $91,338 | $43.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $106,150 | $51 |
Detailed Fire Inspectors and Investigators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,009
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
The average annual salary of $73,070 in New Jersey needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 112.4. This index, which is 12.4% above the national average, indicates that while the nominal salary is substantial, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
900
Total Jobs
0.212
Per 1K Jobs
2.33
Location Quotient
New Jersey has 2.3x the national concentration of Fire Inspectors and Investigators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
New Jersey's Location Quotient of 2.33 for Fire Inspectors and Investigators signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a strong demand and a potentially competitive environment for these roles, with employers actively seeking qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fire Inspectors and Investigators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary | $76,620↑ 5% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary | $78,450↑ 7% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary | $69,620↓ 5% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
Hiring Fire Inspectors and Investigatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fire Inspectors and Investigators make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey is $73,070. This typically ranges from $45,700 for entry-level positions to $106,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 4.4% lower than the national median of $76,450.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of professionals (LQ 2.33) and the state's elevated cost of living suggest that experienced individuals can still achieve strong earnings potential.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($76,620) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
How does the number of Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey compare nationally?
New Jersey has 0.212 Fire Inspectors and Investigators per 1,000 workers, indicating a significant presence relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey?
An LQ of 2.33 means that the concentration of Fire Inspectors and Investigators in New Jersey is more than double the national average, highlighting a specialized demand in the state.
How does the cost of living in New Jersey affect the salary of a Fire Inspector?
With a Cost of Living Index of 112.4, New Jersey is more expensive than the national average, meaning the $73,070 salary may offer less purchasing power than a similar salary in a lower-cost state.
What factors might contribute to the salary difference between New Jersey and the national average?
Factors such as the state's specific regulatory environment, demand from industries requiring stringent safety oversight, and the overall economic conditions of New Jersey likely influence the average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 900 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.212 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Fire Inspectors and Investigators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New Jersey