If you enjoy serving your community and helping others, apply to become a Raleigh firefighter! The Raleigh Fire Department is now accepting applications to its Fire Academy. Apply by Sept. 30.
Becoming a firefighter for the City of Raleigh is a competitive process. Raleigh Fire receives applications from candidates of varying backgrounds and experiences. As a result, the department is a diverse group of people from across North Carolina and the United States.
The Raleigh Fire Department offers job stability and a competitive benefits package. The starting salary for a firefighter is $56,825 (effective Sept. 6, 2025).
Fire Academy Candidate Requirements
Candidates are required to meet the physical and mental demands of the job. However, no previous firefighting experience is required.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time they apply;
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (proof required);
- Have corrected vision of at least 20/30 in both eyes; and,
- Have a valid driver’s license.
RFD plans to hold two Academies in early 2026. The first one will be for those applicants who have their EMT certifications. That Academy is scheduled to start in February 2026.
The regular Academy is scheduled to begin in late March 2026 and is for candidates who don’t have EMT certification. Application period for both runs until Sept. 30, 2025.
Visit How to Become a Raleigh Firefighter to learn more about the application process. In addition, potential applicants may wish to watch videos illustrating the components of the required Physical Agility Test.