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

Public safety

Virginia employs 100 fire inspectors, with a statewide median of $70,460 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Fire inspectors Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

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

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $70,460 median is worth closer to $69,693 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow fire inspectors employment +7.0%, 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.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Virginia State Fire Marshal-certified Fire Inspector — regulated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) / State Fire Marshal's Office.

1. Complete the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy's fire inspector course (approximately 80 hours covering NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I and II job performance requirements). Note: the VFMA fire inspector course is not offered in 2026 — the next session is scheduled for February–May 2027.
2. Pass both ICC Fire Inspector I (exam #66) and Fire Inspector II (exam #67) examinations.
3. Apply for state certification through the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office. Maintain certification with 40 continuing education hours every 24 months from the date of certification.

Official requirements: Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) / State Fire Marshal's Office →

Training in Virginia

Virginia fire inspectors primarily work for local fire departments, county fire marshals, or the State Fire Marshal's Office. Large fire marshal offices in Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Chesterfield, and Richmond are the biggest employers. Because the VFMA inspector course runs infrequently (about once per year), plan the training timeline carefully — contact VFMA at [email protected] to join the waitlist well in advance.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

• Central Virginia Community College — Associate
• Germanna Community College — Certificate / Associate
• J Sargeant Reynolds Community College — Certificate / Associate
• Northern Virginia Community College — Associate

Where Fire inspectors Work in Virginia

Real Virginia fire departments that employ fire inspectors include:

• Abingdon Fire Department — Abingdon
• Brumley Gap Volunteer Fire Department — Abingdon
• Clinch Mountain Volunteer Fire Department — Abingdon
• Green Springs Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad — Abingdon
• Rockfish Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department — Afton
• Alberta Volunteer Fire Department Company 1 — Alberta

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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) / State Fire Marshal's Office (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.