Large Airtanker Pilot - C-130 Initial Attack Coulson Aviation When wildfires ignite, you're among ... Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision ...
Quick apply
Large Airtanker Pilot - C-130 Initial Attack Coulson Aviation When wildfires ignite, you're among ... Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision ...
Blackhawk Pilot
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$91K - $114K/yr
Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ... Aerial Firefighting experience
Blackhawk Pilot
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$91K - $114K/yr
Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ... Aerial Firefighting experience
CH47-Pilot In Command
Portland, OR · On-site
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 ...
CH47-Pilot In Command
Portland, OR · On-site
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 ...
Pilot In Command-S61
Portland, OR · On-site
S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC) About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Our diverse ...
Pilot In Command-S61
Portland, OR · On-site
S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC) About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Our diverse ...
CH47-Pilot In Command
Portland, OR · On-site
$120 - $170/hr
Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S.; we provide travel to and from assignments ... Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States ...
CH47-Pilot In Command
Portland, OR · On-site
$120 - $170/hr
Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S.; we provide travel to and from assignments ... Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States ...
UH-60 Pilot
$108K - $162K/yr
Serve as PIC on S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopters during firefighting and aerial work operations ... Pilots can expect approximately 250-300 flight hours annually with opportunities to operate ...
New
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UH-60 Pilot
$108K - $162K/yr
Serve as PIC on S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopters during firefighting and aerial work operations ... Pilots can expect approximately 250-300 flight hours annually with opportunities to operate ...
New
Blackhawk Pilot
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$108K - $162K/yr
Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...
Blackhawk Pilot
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$108K - $162K/yr
Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...
Blackhawk Pilot
$108K - $162K/yr
Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...
Blackhawk Pilot
$108K - $162K/yr
Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...
Fire Pilot
Irvine, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...
Fire Pilot
Irvine, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...
Fire Pilot
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...
Fire Pilot
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...
Air Support Pilot- Public Safety
Santa Barbara, CA · On-site
$54.51 - $65.99/hr
Pilots a helicopter over all types of terrain; executes missions involving aerial firefighting, transporting firefighters and equipment to and from fires, hauling cargo (both internal and external ...
Air Support Pilot- Public Safety
Santa Barbara, CA · On-site
$54.51 - $65.99/hr
Pilots a helicopter over all types of terrain; executes missions involving aerial firefighting, transporting firefighters and equipment to and from fires, hauling cargo (both internal and external ...
... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
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... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
Quick apply
... and aerial firefighting techniques b. Flight training including, but not limited to: aircraft ... Commercial Pilot's Certification required, ATP preferred * 3,000 hours total flying time required ...
The 107 Command Pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the Columbia Model 107 Chinook ... Aerial firefighting experience . * Long-line operational experience . * Ability to work ...
The 107 Command Pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the Columbia Model 107 Chinook ... Aerial firefighting experience . * Long-line operational experience . * Ability to work ...
Command Pilot (PIC)
Billings, MT · On-site
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
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Command Pilot (PIC)
Billings, MT · On-site
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Command Pilot (PIC)
Billings, MT · On-site
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Command Pilot (PIC)
Billings, MT · On-site
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Head of Crew Training
Tampa, FL · On-site
... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and ... This role is responsible for ensuring pilots, Airborne Sensor Operators, and other assigned flight ...
Head of Crew Training
Tampa, FL · On-site
... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and ... This role is responsible for ensuring pilots, Airborne Sensor Operators, and other assigned flight ...
... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically ... Supervise operational leadership personnel, including the Chief Pilot and other assigned ...
... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically ... Supervise operational leadership personnel, including the Chief Pilot and other assigned ...
Aerial Firefighting Pilot information
See salary details
$33K - $51.3K
0% of jobs
$51.3K - $69.6K
4% of jobs
$69.6K - $88K
3% of jobs
$88K - $106.3K
5% of jobs
$122.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$106.3K - $124.6K
14% of jobs
$124.6K - $142.9K
13% of jobs
The median wage is $161.2K / yr.
$142.9K - $161.2K
11% of jobs
$161.2K - $179.5K
7% of jobs
$179.5K - $197.9K
14% of jobs
$202.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$197.9K - $216.2K
15% of jobs
$216.2K - $234.5K
14% of jobs
$33K
$163.2K
$234.5K
How much do aerial firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting pilot in the United States is $163,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $207,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Aerial Firefighting Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?
| Aspect | Aerial Firefighting Pilot | Helicopter Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Commercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for firefighting aircraft | Commercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for helicopters |
| Work Environment | Firefighting aircraft, often in remote or wildfire areas | Various, including transport, rescue, or construction sites |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in wildfire suppression and emergency response | Multiple industries including transportation, construction, and emergency services |
While both roles require a Commercial Pilot License and aircraft-specific ratings, Aerial Firefighting Pilots specialize in wildfire suppression using specialized aircraft, whereas Helicopter Pilots operate in diverse sectors with different aircraft types. The primary difference lies in the work environment and specific industry focus.
More about Aerial Firefighting Pilot jobs
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting Pilot jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 24 days ago
Job description
Large Airtanker Pilot – C-130 Initial Attack
Coulson Aviation
When wildfires ignite, you’re among the first in the air.
Coulson Aviation is seeking exceptional C-130 Initial Attack Airtanker Captains to join our world-class aerial firefighting team. If you bring prior C-130 PIC experience or are USFS Initial Attack (IA) carded as an Airtanker Captain, this is your opportunity to fly one of the most powerful and capable aerial firefighting platforms in service today.
This is a mission-critical role supporting rapid initial attack wildfire suppression, complex fire environments, and large-scale coordinated aerial operations. If you thrive in high-tempo operations, precision low-level flying, and dynamic multi-aircraft environments, this is where your experience truly matters.
Why This Role Matters
Initial attack saves forests, communities, and lives.
As a C-130 Initial Attack Pilot, your decisions and execution in the first hours of a fire can change the outcome entirely. You’ll be entrusted with one of the most capable firefighting aircraft in the world, operating at the sharp end of wildfire response. Supporting ground firefighters is our passion, and we need you to help us help them—so together, we can protect our communities and our state and national forest lands, not only here at home, but internationally as well
The Mission
Conduct time-critical wildfire response missions delivering retardant with our specialized water/retardant dropping tanking systems in the most challenging terrain and congested airspace environments you’ll see as a professional aviator. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with Air Attack, ground resources, and agency partners to slow fire growth when it matters most.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute initial attack aerial firefighting missions in the C-130 Airtanker with precision, discipline, and professionalism
- Operate at low level in mountainous and high-threat environments in accordance with approved SOPs and tactics
- Coordinate closely with Air Attack to manage complex, congested fire traffic areas
- Identify, assess, and mitigate operational hazards while actively supporting the Safety Management System (SMS)
- Maintain aircraft and crew readiness for rapid deployment during peak fire activity
- Complete flight logs, mission records, and required operational documentation
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of wildfire tactics, SOPs, and operational procedures
Qualifications
Required
- FAA ATP, or FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating appropriate to C-130 operations
- 2,000+ hours total flight time
- 1,000+ hours of multi-engine experience
- 500 hours of IFR experience
Preferred
- 4,000+ hours total flight time
- Previous C-130, LAT, or VLAT experience
- Initial Attack aerial firefighting experience
- Low-level tactical flying in complex or mountainous terrain
- Multi-crew, crew-resource-management–intensive cockpit experience
What Sets You Apart
- Exceptional CRM, threat and error management, and sound aeronautical decision-making
- Calm, decisive communicator under pressure
- High situational awareness in rapidly evolving fire environments
- Safety-driven, mission-focused, and ready for on-call deployment during peak fire seasons
Ready to be first over the fire?
Apply now and join the front line of aerial wildfire suppression with Coulson Aviation.