Fire Protection Engineer Career Information

Career Growth Levels

Entry/Mid/Senior/ Experienced

Average Annual Salary

Approximately $99,516 per year

Job Growth Outlook

Projected to grow 4% from 2018 to 2028

Current Job Openings

Approximately 13,105 positions in the U.S.

What is a Fire Protection Engineer?

A Fire Protection Engineer is responsible for designing systems and strategies that prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of fire. They ensure buildings and structures comply with fire safety regulations, safeguarding lives and property

Primary Responsibilities


Designing fire suppression systems.
Conducting fire risk assessments.
Ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
Investigating fire incidents.

Alternative Job Titles


Fire Prevention Engineer
Fire Safety Engineer
Fire Protection Consultant

Education and Certification

Academic Requirements

A bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, civil engineering, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may prefer a master's degree for advanced roles.

Professional Certifications

Required or recommended certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) License: Licensure may be required depending on the state. Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS): Offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Continuing Education

Ongoing education is essential to stay updated with evolving fire safety codes, technologies, and best practices.

Required Competencies

Technical Skills

Fire Dynamics: Understanding the behavior of fire and smoke. System Design: Proficiency in designing fire protection systems. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with fire safety codes and standards.

Professional Skills

Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex safety scenarios. Communication: Effectively conveying safety information to stakeholders. Problem-Solving: Developing solutions to fire safety challenges.

Career Progression

Junior Fire Protection Engineer

Fire Protection Engineer

Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Lead Fire Protection Engineer

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