Pros and Cons: Arson Investigator
Arson investigators, also known as fire investigators, help determine the cause of a fire. Read below to learn about the other ups and downs of being an arson investigator.
| PROS: Arson Investigator |
|---|
| Higher-than-average pay ($56,130 median annual salary in May 2014)* |
| May have an advantage in finding employment if you have training in criminal investigation* |
| Safety equipment is normally provided by the employer* |
| Job includes time away from your desk (visiting fire scenes)* |
| Job training provided by many employers* |
| CONS: Arson Investigator |
|---|
| Holiday, weekend and evening hours are normal for arson investigators* |
| Arson investigators might have 24-hour work shifts* |
| Limited positions mean job competition is common for arson investigators* |
| Work conditions can sometimes be dangerous when structures are damaged by fires* |
| A 2- or 4-year degree may be required for some positions* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Essential Career Info
Job Description
After arriving at the scene of a fire, you'll perform a preliminary examination of the area. As you comb over the location, you'll collect evidence to investigate further later on. You might take pictures or video of the scene. If there were any witnesses, you'll interview them to see if they have any helpful or suspicious information. The goal of your work is to figure out the cause and origin of a fire. You want to determine if someone deliberately set the fire in order to prove if it was arson or not. If necessary, you might present your evidence in a court of law and testify as part of legal proceedings.
Salary Information
In May 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that fire inspectors and investigators earned a median hourly wage of $26.99, resulting in a median annual salary of $56,130 (www.bls.gov). The top ten percentile wage estimate for arson investigators was $90,330. Washington, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Nevada were the top-paying states for arson investigators. The most lucrative industry was aerospace product and parts manufacturing, which paid a mean annual wage of $70,360.
Job Requirements
Training and Education
In some cases, you might be able to get by with just a GED or high school diploma, but employers tend to prefer arson investigators that have taken the time to acquire a postsecondary degree. A major in engineering, chemistry or fire science is ideal. Generally, an associate's degree or bachelor's degree should be all you need.
The training requirements for arson investigators differ in each state. As part of your training, you'll receive instruction on-the-job and in a classroom at a fire academy. Explosion investigation, fire prevention, hazardous materials, management science, responder health and safety and emergency medical services are some of the classes you might take as an aspiring arson investigator.
The teaching portion of your training can take a few months to complete. You'll learn how to properly follow investigative procedures while also discovering proper equipment use. To qualify to work, you might have to complete an examination with the National Fire Protection Association after your training.
Useful Skills
Arson investigators need knowledge of legal codes and basic court procedures. To work in this field, you'll also need strong customer service skills, leadership ability and critical thinking skills.
What Do Employers Want?
Employers want honest and efficient arson investigators. Integrity is an important trait you'll want to have since employers need unbiased arson investigators to testify as expert witnesses. Communication skills are also very beneficial in this line of work since employers want arson investigators who are comfortable interviewing people. Information from job postings by real employers in April 2012 has been collected and presented below for you.
- In West Virginia, an opening for a fire investigator called for someone with at least two years of field experience. Applicants needed to be able to work with little supervision and be willing to travel to different sites.
- An arson investigator job in Wisconsin required applicants with video and still photography experience. Candidates needed knowledge of fuel types and building features. The company asked for applicants with at least five years of experience and a private investigator's license.
- A Texas engineering company was looking for arson investigators that could lift upwards of 70 lbs and climb ladders. A bachelor's degree was preferred.
How to Stand Out as an Arson Investigator
Certification is one way to stand out amongst your peers in states that don't require certification for employment. Multiple organizations offer different kinds of certifications for arson investigators. For instance, you can acquire the Certified Fire Investigator certification from the International Association of Arson Investigators. You need to have a combination of work experience, education and training to qualify to take the examination. Once you meet these requirements and your application receives approval, you can take and pass the examination to receive your designation. The National Association of Fire Investigators also offers certifications, such as the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator credential. If you work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, you can also find employer-specific certification options.
Other Career Paths
Firefighter
Not sure if this career is for you? You might be interested in some related options. If you'd rather fight fires than investigate them; consider becoming a firefighter. After completing your training at a fire academy, you'll join a fire station and begin work. Firefighters drive emergency vehicles and trucks to locations that are experiencing a fire. You'll use fire hydrants and hoses to spray water on the fire to help put it out. If anyone is located in a burning building, you must rescue them. The BLS in May 2011 found that firefighters earned $48,000 or so on average annually.
Private Detective
If you like the investigative aspects of being an arson investigator; you may want to look into being a private detective. You might work for a specific business or take contract work from individual clients. After receiving an assignment, you'll interview witnesses and travel to locations tied to your assignment for investigative work. A private investigator had average earnings of about $49,000, according to the BLS in May 2011.
