Despite the lethargic economic rebound, salaries in one industry are still holding strong. The median total compensation for fire-protection engineers in the U.S. is now $110,500, a 12.5% increase since the previous survey was conducted in 2007.

According to a survey conducted by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, the median income for an entry-level fire protection engineer (0-6 years of experience) with a bachelor’s degree is $68,700 per year. That figure jumps to $78,000 when a person with that level of experience has a master’s degree.

The median income for a mid-level fire protection engineer (6-10 years of experience) is $82,000 per year, but it reaches $100,000 per year if he or she has a master’s degree.

Fire protection engineers with work experience upwards of 15 years earn the greatest salaries in the field. It is common for senior-level fire protection engineers to make over $120,000 per year.

The 2010 SFPE Compensation Survey results indicate approximately 4.2% annual compounded growth rate in total compensation over the past three years. This rate is above U.S. national averages reported by The Total Rewards Association—WorldatWork for years: 2008 at 3.9%, 2009 at 2.2% and an estimated 2010 at 2.8% (based on the association’s annual salary budget survey for responses for exempt positions).

The survey polled 658 professionals practicing in the profession of fire protection engineering worldwide. Income data is based on earnings (salary plus bonuses) in 2009. The full report for this survey can be found at www.sfpe.org.