Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary in South Carolina
Fire Inspectors and Investigators in South Carolina earn a median of $61,890 a year ($29.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,270 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $75,920. South Carolina ranks 34th of 43 states for fire inspectors and investigators pay. There are 0.05 fire inspectors and investigators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.53). The average (mean) salary is $64,610, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for fire inspectors and investigators in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,610 | $20.97 |
| 25th percentile | $55,150 | $26.52 |
| Median | $61,890 | $29.76 |
| 75th percentile | $76,910 | $36.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,270 | $37.63 |
| Average (mean) | $64,610 | $31.06 |
Half of fire inspectors and investigators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,157.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,578.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,380.38 |
| Weekly | $1,190.19 |
| Hourly | $29.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,890 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Fire Inspectors and Investigators salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $76,740 | 260 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $62,180 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for fire inspectors and investigators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $122,900 |
| Oregon | $115,080 |
| California | $99,230 |
| Maryland | $98,730 |
| Nevada | $93,450 |
| Colorado | $85,750 |
| Minnesota | $84,410 |
| Texas | $82,390 |
| Iowa | $81,860 |
| Massachusetts | $81,140 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $42,570 | $20.47 |
| Security Guard | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $58,070 | $27.92 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $47,890 | $23.02 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $26,210 | $12.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $73,700 | $35.43 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $62,760 | $30.17 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| School Bus Monitor | $26,240 | $12.62 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $32,690 | $15.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $47,100 | $22.65 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $51,530 | $24.78 |
| Transportation Security Screener | $63,130 | $30.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $77,110 | $37.07 |
More: Protective Service Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 33-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fire inspectors and investigators make in South Carolina?
The median salary for fire inspectors and investigators in South Carolina is $61,890 a year, or $29.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid fire inspectors and investigators make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of fire inspectors and investigators in South Carolina earn at least $78,270 a year. The top 25% earn $76,910 or more.
What is the starting pay for fire inspectors and investigators in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,610 a year, and a quarter of fire inspectors and investigators earn $55,150 or less.
How many fire inspectors and investigators work in South Carolina?
About 110 fire inspectors and investigators are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.