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Aerial Firefighter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

... AISR), Aerial Firefighting, Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR), Advanced Training, Aircraft Engineering ... of pilots, sensor operators, and technicians, spot top-tier talent, and convey the thrill of ...

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

In this role, you'll work alongside pilots and ground crews to ensure aircraft are mission-ready ... and aerial firefighting systems such as fixed water tanks, hydraulic snorkels, buckets, and sling ...

UH-60 Firefighting Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... We take great pride in hiring the most talented and professional pilots. PJ Helicopters, Inc. has ...

UH-60 Firefighting Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

... and efficient aerial solutions for its customers. With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH ... We take great pride in hiring the most talented and professional pilots. PJ Helicopters, Inc. has ...

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Aerial Firefighter Pilot information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do aerial firefighter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerial Firefighter Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Firefighter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, specialized wildfire suppression training, and a commercial pilot's license with appropriate ratings. Familiarity with aircraft navigation systems, GPS-, and communication equipment, as well as FAA certifications such as an Air Transport Pilot (ATP) or Commercial Pilot Certificate, are typically required. Exceptional decision-making abilities, stress management, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this high-pressure career. These competencies are essential for safe, effective operations in rapidly changing wildfire environments and for ensuring the safety of crew and communities.

What are some of the primary challenges faced by Aerial Firefighter Pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Aerial Firefighter Pilots often contend with rapidly shifting weather conditions, reduced visibility due to smoke, and rugged terrain that can make flying hazardous. These missions typically demand precise coordination with ground crews and other aircraft, requiring constant communication and adaptability. The work environment can be both physically and mentally demanding, frequently involving long shifts during peak fire season. However, pilots find the role rewarding, knowing they play a crucial part in protecting lives, property, and natural resources. Most employers provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to help pilots handle these challenges effectively.

What does an Aerial Firefighter Pilot do?

An Aerial Firefighter Pilot operates specialized aircraft to combat wildfires by dropping water or fire retardant over affected areas. They work closely with ground crews and fire management teams to suppress fires and protect lives, property, and natural resources. These pilots must have advanced flying skills, often operating in hazardous conditions with low visibility, strong winds, and rugged terrain. Training, experience, and specific certifications are required to qualify for this demanding but essential role.

More about Aerial Firefighter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerial Firefighter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Aerial Firefighter Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Aerial Firefighter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Firefighter Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Helitack)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Mena, AR • On-site

$72K/yr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This position is located within a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbent serves as first line supervisor of a crew of helitack personnel/firefighters that are established to provide fast initial attack, and large fire support and utilizes helicopters in support of all types of incidents.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-09 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-08 grade level in Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Oversaw helicopter service contract and enforced contract provisions; Provided detailed instructions on incident objectives, situations, and tactics to pilots, crews, and dispatchers; Planned and coordinated complex air operations using numerous helicopter models, capabilities and limitations, including remote, isolated work locations; Developed specific aerial ignition plans for burning projects after analyzing conditions.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Helibase Manager (HEBM)-AND- Successfully completed the NWCG Course Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER