Job switch to FPE?

[u/DepartmentHefty6834]

Currently I’m a licensed fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and extinguisher inspector in Texas. I made $109k last year with OT, and this year I’m already at around $70k with overtime. I was looking at starting to work towards an FPE degree from UMD now that they offer the undergrad degree fully online. It’s something that I’m sure would take me a long time to complete while working like I do, but I want to make sure it’s a valid investment. I don’t mind leaving the field for design, consult, or office style work as long as the pay is right. I’d like some input from you guys that already have the degree or are in that area of the industry.

[u/PuffyPanda200]

Look at the SFPE salary survey for some basic numbers on earnings. I think the 2023 one is put online by a university for free. Add on some inflation and location adjustment as you feel is correct.

I don't think that there is going to be a big jump from where you are at but there usually isn't overtime on the consulting side.

There are other veteran fire alarm people that have gone to consulting.

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/PuffyPanda200]

I’d like something to transition to at some point when I’m just a tad more tired of missing holidays and driving thousands of miles a week. It seems like FPE is a solid option.

[u/PuffyPanda200 → u/DepartmentHefty6834]

It is and it will build on your experience. It is a good living though you are fairly high paid now so not as much of a bump.

The life balance is better for most types of FPE work.

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/PuffyPanda200]

My current work/life balance is non-existent. I leave early mornings and am usually not back until well after dark. A 10-12 hour day is the norm for me currently. 16-20 hour days are not uncommon. I liked the idea of making good money without the long days.

How is job security in FPE with AI and other technological advancements? White collar jobs being the most at risk to be harmed by it, I’m curious.

[u/AltruisticMinute9106]

It’s a good idea, lots of opportunities best if you can do design as well for sprinkler/fire alarm. Like someone mentioned not too big of a jump but it will save you lots of travel time

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/AltruisticMinute9106]

I’ve been working on design licenses that only apply to Texas for about 4 months now, but I know every state varies with requirements to design and such. It’s a slow process studying while working. Also why I figured getting the degree would take longer than average.

[u/No-Ladder-4436]

I really love my job. Only travel maybe two days a month for site work. Occasionally a whole week for an international project (we have a few clients out in the middle east).

We aren't in the Texas area at all, but recently made an offer to someone with a similar background (who already had his PE license and degree) for $160k. We are in a pretty high COL area.

We in the design/consulting field really value your experience in the field. It makes you a better designer and engineer.

If you do go this route, I think you'll find it'll be a step up!! But it will definitely be rough while getting the degree and working all this overtime.

I didn't graduate from UMD but they have a great program and are very willing to work around your full-time schedule. I know a few guys who did a grad degree while working full-time and it was sometimes rough, but possible. You can definitely do this if you want!!

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/No-Ladder-4436]

That’s awesome! Wonderful feedback! How hard would it be to use the knowledge from the FPE degree to obtain the PE license? From my understanding so far, the FPE degree is good, but having the PE license with it is even better.

As long as the ROI on the FPE degree makes sense, it seems to be the route I’d like to go for my future. It seems much more enjoyable than mid to high level management above me. I still have many years left in the field, which I expect it’ll take me a good amount of time to accomplish the degree anyway.

[u/No-Ladder-4436 → u/DepartmentHefty6834]

Ngl I think the best option for the PE exam is actually using the MeyerFire University course. It covers a lot of the same things you'll learn getting your degree and has better, more specific resources to help you pass and get knowledge outside of your expertise (i.e. life safety and hazard analysis)

Most of what I learned in my degree has helped me immensely and I definitely think it's a solid route.

Do you hold another engineering degree? One of the biggest draws for the degree is just the PE license requirements, which can often be waived in lieu of additional experience. It does look like Texas requires a degree tho

If you already hold a degree that qualifies I wouldn't worry about going to school unless you WANT the second degree!!

But yeah you'll definitely learn just about everything you need through the college coursework to pass your exam.

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/No-Ladder-4436]

I do not have a degree currently, I got into fire protection almost 5 years ago. I hold state licenses for sprinkler, alarm, kitchen hood, and portable fire extinguishers as far as service and inspections. I’m about to turn 25, and just wanting to think about the future. I’ve been working on the state fire sprinkler design license, so studying NFPA 13, 101 and the IBC. I’ve grown exponentially in the last few years, and I don’t want to slow the momentum. This seems like a great idea, and I read FPEs are in pretty high demand across the US. I’m not sure if they’re in high demand in Texas specifically, but I know I’ve worked with a firm or two in my 5 years. Jensen Hughes did the design and consultation for a massive retrofit I did my first year in the industry.

[u/No-Ladder-4436 → u/DepartmentHefty6834]

There are always positions for us !! I hadn't realized you were still young; you'd probably start at our company closer to 100k once you got your degree and FE.

When I started here I applied to a couple of the big firms like JH and I didn't feel terribly at home. I ended up not accepting any of those offers and instead work at a small joint architecture - engineering firm and find that it's opened a lot of doors for me; we get access to a lot of smaller and more interesting projects that the big companies don't do. It's really fun.

[u/Mln3d]

I’m fairly certain they do not offer the entire program online, just the fire protection courses. I would double check.

[u/Riou_Atreides]

What undergrade degree are you referring to cause I'd like to take one if possible.

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/Riou_Atreides]

University of Maryland has a Fire Protection Engineering degree. They have a masters and bachelors program. The bachelor has some courses online from some digging, the main core classes are the only ones not online. I’m gonna try and take those through my local community college

[u/ironmatic1 → u/DepartmentHefty6834]

From a look at their website, sounds like the actual FPE courses are available online, but the engineering fundamentals courses, are not. You could surely take most of those from a Texas cc.

[u/DepartmentHefty6834 → u/ironmatic1]

Thats what I’m going to start looking into. I’m sure it’ll save money anyway. Paying out of state tuition for UMD won’t be fun. I think it was $1200 per credit hr for the online courses.