Wages vary by area of the country and the investigator's level of experience and training.
Fire investigators who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Most fire departments provide protective clothing (helmets, boots, and coats) and breathing equipment.
Fire inspectors and investigators (SOC 33-2021)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $25.07 | $40.53 | $51.14 |
| Yearly | $52,152 | $84,303 | $106,369 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $22.44 | $36.59 | $51.09 |
| Yearly | $46,674 | $76,114 | $106,260 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $26.41 | $46.40 | $51.14 |
| Yearly | $54,940 | $96,510 | $106,370 | |
| Lake County | Hourly | $25.07 | $40.98 | $51.09 |
| Yearly | $52,157 | $85,242 | $106,262 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $22.71 | $28.94 | $45.46 |
| Yearly | $47,239 | $60,189 | $94,556 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $37.98 | $50.81 | $59.33 |
| Yearly | $79,007 | $105,679 | $123,398 | |
| Rockford Area | Hourly | $18.49 | $43.59 | $53.41 |
| Yearly | $38,457 | $90,657 | $111,095 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $38.41 | $41.88 | $52.38 |
| Yearly | $79,896 | $87,114 | $108,941 | |
| Will County | Hourly | $28.29 | $40.98 | $51.08 |
| Yearly | $58,844 | $85,242 | $106,254 | |
| United States | Hourly | $25.62 | $33.39 | $46.38 |
| Yearly | $53,290 | $69,450 | $96,470 | |