SalaryNode

Average Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary in Tennessee

Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $65,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $76,450, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation within the state. Factors such as regional demand and the overall economic landscape of Tennessee play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $65,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,320.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 540 individuals, the Fire Inspector and Investigator field in Tennessee represents a specialized segment of the labor market. The Location Quotient of 1.82 suggests a concentration of these professionals that is significantly higher than the national average, pointing towards robust demand or a specialized industry presence within the state that requires these skills.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$65,400

The average Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee earns-14.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.4

Weekly

$1,258

Monthly

$5,450

Fire Inspectors and Investigators Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Career progression for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned professionals often widens considerably, reflecting the accumulation of experience, specialized certifications, and increased responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$50,230$24.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$49,050$23.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$65,940$31.7
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$81,750$39.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$83,320$40.1

Detailed Fire Inspectors and Investigators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$65,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,345

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $65,400 in Tennessee, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (meaning it's 9.6% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary may offer a reasonable purchasing power locally. While lower than the national average salary, the reduced cost of living can help offset the difference, potentially making the effective income more competitive.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

0.166

Per 1K Jobs

1.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Tennessee has 1.8x 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.

Tennessee's Location Quotient of 1.82 for Fire Inspectors and Investigators signifies a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national benchmark. This elevated quotient indicates a higher prevalence of these jobs within the state's workforce, suggesting a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, and a favorable environment for job seekers with relevant expertise.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

Hiring Fire Inspectors and Investigatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Fire Inspectors and Investigators make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee is $65,400. This typically ranges from $50,230 for entry-level positions to $83,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 14.5% lower than the national median of $76,450.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $65,400 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living (90.4 index) can make the effective income more competitive. The high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.82) also suggests consistent demand.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Fire Inspectors and Investigators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($67,040) and others.

How does Tennessee's Fire Inspector salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee is $65,400, which is lower than the national average of $76,450.

What is the concentration of Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 1.82 for Fire Inspectors and Investigators, indicating that the profession is more concentrated in the state than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $65,400 salary may offer better purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a higher cost area.

What is the total workforce size for Fire Inspectors and Investigators in Tennessee?

There are approximately 540 Fire Inspectors and Investigators employed in Tennessee.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.166 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.