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

Public safety

North Dakota employs 40 fire inspectors, with a statewide median of $80,320 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Fire inspectors Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,320 median stretches to roughly $90,247 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow fire inspectors employment +3.0%, about in line with the +3.4% projected nationally.

North Dakota License and Certification Requirements

Fire Inspector certification (NFPA 1031-based) — regulated by the North Dakota — 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 an approved provider.
3. Earn the inspector certification; the State Fire Marshal and municipal fire-marshal offices are the main employers.

Official requirements: North Dakota — State Fire Marshal / local AHJ →

Training in North Dakota

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

• Dickinson State University — Associate

Where Fire inspectors Work in North Dakota

Real North Dakota fire departments that employ fire inspectors include:

• Abercrombie Fire Department — Abercrombie
• Adams Rural Fire Department — Adams
• Alamo Rural Fire Department — Alamo
• Alexander Volunteer Fire Department — Alexander
• Alice Fire Protection District Station — Alice
• Almont Rural Fire Protection District Number 1 — Almont

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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota — 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.