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A Firefighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll ... Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - Q400 Summary ...

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll ... Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary ...

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll ... Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary ...

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll ... Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - Q400 Summary ...

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

... is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada, Australia ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

This is a continuous recruitment with a first application review of Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ... firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis. * Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc. * Provide ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot ... a contribution of 3.0% of base salary. Firefighter Trainees and Handcrew Firefighters do not ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis. * Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc. * Provide ...

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A Firefighter Pilot information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do a firefighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for a firefighter pilot in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between A Firefighter Pilot vs A Fire Inspector?

AspectA Firefighter PilotA Fire Inspector
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, firefighting trainingFire safety certifications, building inspection licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft, firefighting operations, remote locationsBuildings, fire stations, inspection sites
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency services, aerial firefightingMunicipalities, fire departments, safety agencies

While both roles are vital in fire safety, a Firefighter Pilot specializes in aerial firefighting using aircraft, requiring pilot licenses and firefighting training. In contrast, a Fire Inspector focuses on inspecting buildings for fire hazards, requiring safety certifications. Their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly, but both contribute to fire prevention and safety.

Can you be a firefighter pilot?

A firefighter pilot is a specialized role involving flying aircraft such as helicopters or airtankers to assist in wildfire suppression. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight experience, and often additional training in firefighting operations and safety protocols. This job requires strong flying skills, situational awareness, and the ability to operate in challenging environments.
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Infographic showing various A Firefighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA • On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Fly the Q400 aircraft in support of wildfire suppression operations, including delivering aerial retardant.

  • Operate the aircraft safely and in accordance with company, agency, and regulatory procedures, supporting fire suppression missions.

  • Assist with aircraft pre-flight planning, performance calculations, and report aircraft system concerns to the Pilot in Command.


Job description

The mission of Aero-Flite is to provide exceptional firefighting aircraft and customer service in support of our ground firefighting partners. Our vision is to continually strive to improve our safety and service while offering greater value to our partner agencies.
FLY THE RJ85 | FIGHT WILDFIRES | MAKE AN IMPACT
Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.
Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.
Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.
PILOT - Q400
Summary
Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time. Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.
Specific Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
• Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
• Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
• Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
• Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
• Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
• Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
• Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
• Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
• Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Other Duties:
• Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
• Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
• Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
• Perform maintenance flights as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge:
• Aeronautical - Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
• Regulatory - Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures
• Mechanical - Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
• Human Factors - Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
• Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
• Adaptability - Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.
Abilities:
• Aeronautical Decision Making - Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
• Airmanship - Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
• Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking - Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance.
• Computer Literacy - Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
• Technical comprehension and writing - Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL.
Education and Experience
  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) - (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience - preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Competencies
• Deadline oriented and organized
• Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
Travel
Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Valid Driver License
SIDA Badge
Valid Passport
The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.
Aero-Flite is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Aero-Flite is a Federal Contractor, we adhere to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, to include testing for THC.