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How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Aerial Applicator job?

An Aerial Applicator, also known as an agricultural pilot or crop duster, is responsible for applying pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments to crops from an aircraft. They help protect plants from pests, weeds, and diseases while covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Aerial Applicators must have specialized training, a pilot's license, and knowledge of agricultural chemicals and safety regulations. This job requires precision flying skills, attention to weather conditions, and strict adherence to environmental guidelines.

What are the main challenges an Aerial Applicator might encounter on the job?

Aerial Applicators often work in variable weather conditions and must navigate diverse terrains, which can make each flight unique and sometimes challenging. Managing the precise application of chemicals while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations is essential and requires constant attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with ground crews, farmers, and other agricultural professionals is a key part of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong situational awareness important qualities for long-term success in aerial application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerial Applicator position, and why are they important?

Aerial Applicators need strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license, and a thorough understanding of agricultural science and application methods. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, spray equipment, and relevant state or federal certifications such as agricultural aviation licenses is critical. Attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential to ensure precise application, regulatory compliance, and the safety of both operator and environment.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Applicator jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Aerial Applicator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Applicator jobs are:
Aerial Applicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Aerial Applicator - Temporary

Aerial Applicator - Temporary

Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC

Iowa Falls, IA • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is a leading full-service agronomic solutions provider that's been in business since 1957. Our first location was in West Helena, Arkansas hence the name "Helena". We now have 450+ locations nationwide and over 6,000 employees. Our corporate office is located in Collierville, Tennessee, a suburb outside of Memphis. Year after year we rank at the top nationally for volume and sales in our industry. There are many facets to our company including product development, sales, operations, precision technology and manufacturing just to name a few.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Aerial Applicator provides aerial application services with our aerial application business which operates under the name Diversified Applications, Inc. or DAI.
DAI is our aerial application business and operates under several different names throughout the U.S. as we continue to acquire small companies to actively expand this segment of our business. The goal of DAI is to become the leader of the agricultural aviation industry by continuously growing our fleet of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
  • Ensures all flights are conducted with safety as the primary consideration and that operation of the aircraft complies with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and established company policies and procedures.
  • Maintains at least 500 feet AGL when ferrying an aircraft or transitioning between sites.
  • Uses utmost care to survey each site prior to dispensing to become familiar with all characteristics and conditions. This includes terrain, natural and man-made obstructions, wind turbines, power lines, antennas, guy wires, buffer zones, sensitive crops, dwellings, livestock, domestic animals, vehicles, people, waterways, ponds and aquatic life, beehives, etc. Suspends dispensing when acceptable conditions cannot be maintained.
  • Is thoroughly familiar with existing and forecasting weather prior to each flight. This is critical for both aircraft performance as well as acceptable dispensing conditions.
  • Handles the load and supervises the handling of the load with great care to avoid spillage, aircraft damage, and product contamination. Reads and follows label instructions and cautions. Dispenses in accordance with label instructions. Rinses hopper appropriately.
  • Briefs handlers and ground crews assigned to the pilot's dispensing operation for expectations and cautions to be observed.
  • Communicates promptly with the chief supervisor regarding any irregularities or difficulties encountered in training or agricultural aircraft operation.
  • Provides for proper handling of the aircraft where company ground handling and/or service employees are not available.
  • Arranges for appropriate level of security of the aircraft when left unattended at a location away from the home base operations.
  • Personally fuels or supervises aircraft fueling and other transient services. Participates in hot fueling only after training and approval from the chief supervisor.
  • Maintains a high degree of proficiency and a thorough knowledge of the procedures and systems of the operating aircraft.
  • Prepares and participates in training and checks maintenance test flights when authorized.
  • Completes and supervises the proper completion of all required assignments, flight records, and dispensing records.
  • Provides input as necessary to ensure records required by 14 CFR § 137.71 and the applicable state can be maintained. Submits other required input and paperwork in a timely manner.
  • Maintains book of business through the Ag retailer or through a direct relationship with the clients.
  • Operates company vehicles.
  • Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
  • Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Follows all company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Must hold at least an FAA commercial pilot certificate with appropriate ratings, a current class II medical certificate, and be qualified to serve as PIC in at least one aircraft used in the certificate holder's operation, and have appropriate experiences as specified in 14 CFR §§ 137.19 and 137.41.
  • Must have at least 200 hours of AG time and be certified to fly the assigned aircraft.
  • Must be currently qualified as a commercial certified pesticide applicator by the state(s) that the product will be applied in.
  • Must have passed the National Aerial Pesticide Applicator Pilot Certification Examination.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Organizational skills.
  • Ability to travel by various means up to 50% is required.
  • Works well with others.
  • Handles confidential information.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of federal and state regulations (OSHA, DOT, etc.)
  • Valid U.S. driver's license is required to drive a company vehicle.
  • Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
  • Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
  • Computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.

Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.
The work environment for this position will be in an outdoor setting in all types of weather conditions with exposure to outdoor elements. When working outdoors and possibly around moving equipment/mechanical parts, you may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock.
This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, sit, stand (8 hours a day or more), lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling (up to and including 50lbs or more), reaching overhead (up to and including 25lbs), climbing, gripping, grasping and twisting using hands and wrists, bending and stooping for long periods of time, working below knee levels for short periods of time and working above shoulder level for short periods.
BENEFITS AT HELENA
  • Temporary employees are eligible to participate in Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan. Helena matches 100% of employee's contributions based on employee's contribution rate and years of service.
  • Three year vesting on company match with 1,000 hours of service.
  • Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay.

For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE HELENA POWERHOUSE!
Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit us at helenacareers.com.
Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.

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