Fire Marshal Requirements and Career Information
Fire marshals conduct arson investigations, supervise firefighter team members, check buildings for potential fire hazards, and teach fire safety classes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes fire marshals as a type of fire investigator because, in many states, both jobs include authority similar to that possessed by law enforcement officers. Travel to sites is often required for this job, and safety precautions must be followed when checking buildings for fire hazards or while conducting arson investigations. Fire marshals must have physical endurance and strength and be willing to work both day and night shifts. In order to advance to this position, prospective fire marshals will need around five years of experience working in firefighting or other emergency services as well as CPR certification. Interested in learning how to be a fire marshal? Read on to learn more about the requirements and training that these professionals need.
| Degree Level | High school diploma or GED; some employers prefer associates or bachelor's degrees |
| Degree Field | Law enforcement, emergency medical services, engineering or fire sciences |
| Experience | Prior experience as a firefighter or law enforcement officer |
| Key Skills | Able to supervise and instruct team members; comfortable collaborating with emergency services professionals; familiarity with extinguishers, protective gear, fire trucks and fire investigation paperwork; knowledge of fire investigations procedures and building codes; able to read construction blueprints |
| Median Annual Salary | $61,660 (fire inspectors and investigators) |
| Job Outlook | 8% growth between 2019 and 2029 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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How to Become a Fire Marshal
- Complete coursework
- Join a fire department
- Gain experience
- Acquire additional training
- Advance to fire marshal position
Step 1: Complete Coursework
While there are few specific fire marshal courses, postsecondary education is very helpful. Common academic fire marshal qualifications listed on state fire department websites include some postsecondary coursework related to the fire sciences. Required coursework included building fire codes, fire safety awareness, fire investigations, fire behavior, fire technology and criminal control investigations.
Aspiring fire marshals should also check state guidelines. Each state has different course requirements for fire marshals or deputy fire marshals. Students may want to check with state fire prevention or fire marshal departments to verify which courses are needed to become a career marshal.
Step 2: Become a Firefighter
Most regions require fire marshals to have several years of experience in firefighting or fire investigations. One way to acquire this experience is to become a firefighter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals interested in working as a firefighter must complete fire science training programs at colleges and universities, although these programs may not always result in the awarding of a formal degree.
Fire science degree or certificate programs often cover topics related to emergency medical services, firefighting strategies, emergency management, building construction, and fire ground operations. After completing training, certificate, or degree programs, individuals are usually eligible to apply for firefighter positions with state and local agencies. Some fire departments prefer firefighter candidates with previous work experience as paramedics or emergency medical technicians.
Students who want to become fire marshals need extensive training in fire investigation procedures. While in school, students should take elective courses covering fire and building codes, hazardous material fires, arson investigations, and legal issues related to fire sciences.
Step 3: Build Firefighting Experience
Some employers want fire marshals to have approximately five years of experience in the firefighting or emergency services industries. Firefighters can work in cities or rural regions. There are also job opportunities with fighting forest fires, as well as volunteer firefighting positions.
Once employed, firefighters may want to seek fire investigations training. Professional fire investigators or fire marshals may be willing to mentor firefighters, providing workers with direct experience in the field of fire science investigations.
Step 4: Acquire Additional Training
Since fire marshals often carry guns and have the investigative authority of law enforcement agents, some employers require fire marshals to obtain the same training as police officers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers have to be in good physical shape, citizens of the United States, at least 21 years old, and complete a training academy. The format and curriculum of training academy programs differs in each state, but may cover topics like police tactics, criminal justice, self-defense, civil rights, firearms, and patrol tactics.
Step 5: Advance to Fire Marshal Position
In most cases, fire marshals are employed by local or state government organizations. Some areas may have a tiered fire marshal employment program, which means that an individual starts as a fire marshal trainee and advances to a deputy fire marshal position before becoming a fire marshal. Professionals may work at fire departments, but some also work for other law enforcement or government agencies.
Once again, fire marshals often begin their careers as firefighters and, as such, may need to complete a degree program in fire science or law enforcement before securing a job and working their way up to a position of fire marshal.
FAQs
How Much Does a Fire Marshal Make?
The average annual salary of a fire marshal as of May, 2019 is $61,660. The bottom 10th percentile of fire marshals in the US make less than $38,090 annually, while the top 10% make over $96,400 annually. Fire inspector and fire marshal employment is predicted to increase 8% between 2019 and 2029.
What Are the Required Skills for a Fire Marshal?
There are a number of skills that fire marshals need. Here is a selection:
- Physical strength and endurance
- Extensive knowledge of fire safety regulations
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of emergency fire procedures
- Managerial and supervisory abilities
What Kind of Certification Do I Need?
In order to work as a fire marshal, you will need to have CPR and first aid certification, which is available across the United States and must be regularly updated. There are also more extensive options for professional fire marshal certification. While these more extensive certifications are not mandatory, they are highly recommended by organizations like the International Fire Chiefs Association.
