EXPERIENCED CAREER
KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION TECHNICIAN.
Installs, inspects, and recharges the Ansul or Amerex system mounted above the hood. Every commercial kitchen has one; every state requires semi-annual inspection. Pairs beautifully with hood cleaning because you're already on the rooftop.
$48k–$82k; $90k+ as a licensed foreman
PATHWAY
How to get in
Four steps, in order. Skipping steps is possible but rarely recommended — every shortcut costs you on the back end.
- 1
Factory training (Ansul, Amerex, Kidde, Pyro-Chem)
Manufacturer-specific credentialing. Ansul's R-102 training is the most common — 3-day class, ~$900. State licensing is separate and usually requires Ansul-trained supervisor on staff.
- 2
State license (varies)
Most states require a fire-equipment-distributor license to service suppression systems. Check your state fire marshal's office — some are individual-licensed, others are company-licensed.
- 3
NAFED ongoing education
NAFED runs yearly conferences and recertification. It's the trade group for fire-equipment distributors.
PROS & CONS
Honest trade-offs
What you'll like
- Recurring revenue — every suppression system needs semi-annual inspection
- Cross-sells cleanly with hood cleaning
- Licensed work, higher barriers to entry, higher margins
What you won't
- State licensing is a real hurdle
- You're liable for a life-safety system. No shortcuts.
CREDENTIALS THAT MATTER
Certifications for this path
NAFED
NAFED Kitchen Fire Suppression Technician
Training + test for Ansul and Amerex kitchen suppression systems. Pairs well with CECS because the same job site needs both — and stacking scopes is how small operators build margin.
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ADJACENT CAREERS
Where this path leads
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