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A Crop Duster Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Imperial, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

... producing a wide variety of crops, including lettuce, carrots, and citrus fruits. Its rich soil ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

... producing a wide variety of crops, including lettuce, carrots, and citrus fruits. Its rich soil ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

... producing a wide variety of crops, including lettuce, carrots, and citrus fruits. Its rich soil ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

... producing a wide variety of crops, including lettuce, carrots, and citrus fruits. Its rich soil ... Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight ...

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that ...

Our products enable oil to flow better, crops to grow fuller, roads to last longer and ensure that ... As a key member of the Plant Technical Team, this individual will leverage their technical ...

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Responsibilities * Regularly scout commercial fields in a given territory to monitor for crop ... Have or ability to obtain FAA Drone Pilot License and CA PCA certification * Demonstrated ...

Showing results 21-40

A Crop Duster Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do a crop duster pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for a crop duster pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are crop duster pilots in demand?

Crop duster pilots are in steady demand in agricultural regions where aerial application of fertilizers and pesticides is common. Employment opportunities depend on seasonal needs, crop cycles, and regional farming practices, with pilots typically required to have a commercial pilot license and specialized training in agricultural aviation.

How much do crop duster pilots make?

Crop duster pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, with experienced pilots and those working in high-demand regions earning higher wages. Salaries depend on factors such as experience, certification, and the size of the operation, and pilots often work seasonal or irregular hours. Additional skills in aircraft maintenance and safety procedures can also influence earnings.

What is the difference between A Crop Duster Pilot vs Aerial Applicator?

AspectA Crop Duster PilotAerial Applicator
CredentialsCommercial Pilot License, Agricultural Aviation CertificationCommercial Pilot License, Agricultural Aviation Certification
Work EnvironmentOpen fields, agricultural aircraft, rural areasOpen fields, agricultural aircraft, rural areas
Employer & IndustryAgricultural aviation companies, farming industryAgricultural aviation companies, farming industry

Both A Crop Duster Pilot and Aerial Applicator require similar certifications and work in agricultural settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Aerial Applicator' may also refer to those involved in broader crop spraying tasks. Essentially, they perform similar roles in applying pesticides and fertilizers from aircraft over farmland.

How hard is it to be a crop duster pilot?

Being a crop duster pilot requires specialized training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license and often a specific agricultural aircraft certification. The job involves flying low and precise maneuvers in various weather conditions, demanding good coordination, focus, and experience with aerial application equipment.
More about A Crop Duster Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for A Crop Duster Pilot jobs? Cities with the most A Crop Duster Pilot job openings:
What states have the most A Crop Duster Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for A Crop Duster Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various A Crop Duster Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

Imperial, CA • On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Air Methods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Mercy Air
EC135 (IFR)
Salary Range: ($91,190 - $102,576) with 110% ACCRA
+ $25,000 Stipend
+ $3,000 IFR Stipend
+ Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000
Off-Duty Housing Available
$15,000 Sign On Bonus
AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!
As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!
Location
Imperial, CA, is special for its unique blend of agricultural abundance, desert beauty, and historical significance. Situated in the fertile Imperial Valley, the city is a hub of agricultural activity, known for producing a wide variety of crops, including lettuce, carrots, and citrus fruits. Its rich soil, coupled with a sunny climate, supports year-round farming, making it a vital agricultural region in California. Additionally, Imperial is close to the stunning landscapes of the Colorado Desert, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the beauty of the desert ecosystem. The city also has a rich history, with ties to early Spanish explorers and Native American cultures, adding to its cultural significance.
Benefits
Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:
  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job Summary
Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements
  • Regular scheduled attendance. (7 days on/7 days off, 12-hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method's policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods' employment practices and policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Pay Scale
Based upon flight and EMS experience.
  • STEP A: $82,900
  • STEP B: $86,216
  • STEP C: $89,665
  • STEP D: $93,251

*ACCRA (Geo-Mod) is not included into base salary*
Ex. Step A: 82,900 x 1.4 (ACCRA) = 116,060
Education & Experience
  • Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two to five years' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor's degree preferred

Operation and Safety Requirements:
  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills
  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
  • Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Program:
  • 2500 total flight hours with minimum of 2000 flight hours in category
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)
  • 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time at least 50 hours which were in flight in an aircraft including 20 hours in actual instrument conditions in category

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
  • Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin-engine aircraft
  • Commercial single-engine land is required for single-engine aircraft
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Internal Bidding Ends: 3/25/2026
Minimum pay
USD $82,900.00/Yr.
Maximum Pay
USD $93,251.00/Yr.
Benefits
For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980