Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Also called: Consulting Engineer, Engineer, Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech), Fire Prevention Research Engineer, Fire Protection Commissioning Engineer, Fire Protection Consultant
Median pay
$115,160
Pay for the broader BLS group “Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$68,420 – $171,250
People employed
21,450
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors”.
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers salary in every state →
What fire-prevention and protection engineers do
- 01Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
- 02Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
- 03Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
- 04Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
- 05Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
- 06Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from fire-prevention and protection engineers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists82% · —
- Construction and Building Inspectors80% · —
- Water Resource Specialists79% · group pay
- Security Management Specialists79% · group pay
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · —
Change into fire-prevention and protection engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists79% · $90,150
- Security Management Specialists79% · $83,050
- Water Resource Specialists79% · $167,220
- Construction and Building Inspectors75% · $74,690
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators73% · $75,920
Majors that lead here
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Engineering, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.