Fire Inspector in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Mississippi employs 140 fire inspectors, with a statewide median of $55,260 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.

What Fire inspectors Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for fire inspectors in major Mississippi markets:

What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi

Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $55,260 median stretches to roughly $63,517 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)

Mississippi is projected to grow fire inspectors employment +4.6%, faster than the +3.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Mississippi License and Certification Requirements

Fire Inspector certification (NFPA 1031-based) — regulated by the Mississippi State Fire Academy / Office of State Fire Marshal / local AHJ.

1. Get hired by or affiliate with a fire department or local authority having jurisdiction.
2. Complete fire-inspector coursework (NFPA 1031-based) through the Mississippi State Fire Academy or an approved provider.
3. Earn the inspector certification; municipal fire-marshal offices are the main employers.

Official requirements: Mississippi State Fire Academy / Office of State Fire Marshal / local AHJ →

Training in Mississippi

Pairing inspection certs with ICC building-code credentials makes you employable across Mississippi's jurisdictions.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:

• Meridian Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Fire inspectors Work in Mississippi

Real Mississippi fire departments that employ fire inspectors include:

• Lafayette County Fire Department Station 7 — Abbeville
• Aberdeen Fire Department — Aberdeen
• Cedar Creek Volunteer Fire Department — Aberdeen
• Prairie Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 — Aberdeen
• Rural Hill Volunteer Fire Department — Aberdeen
• Wren Volunteer Fire Department Station 1 — Aberdeen

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like safety, rules, buildings, and public service.

Think twice if: You want a quick entry path or dislike enforcement conversations.

Why it's resilient: Inspection and prevention work requires local code knowledge, judgment, site visits, and public accountability.

First Steps

Check local fire inspector certification requirements and public-sector postings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi State Fire Academy / Office of State Fire Marshal / local AHJ (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Mississippi wages · Mississippi licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.