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Aerial Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

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:

Metrea

King Air Captain

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and ... Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) and crew lead for deployed, multi-sensor ISR flight operations ...

Bridger Aerospace

Air Attack A&P Mechanic II - Rotational

$29.50 - $38.75/hr

It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial ... Collaborate with pilots, maintenance planners, and inspectors to ensure aircraft readiness.

Coulson Aviation

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 ...

Metrea LLC

Head of Crew Training KC135

Temecula, CA · On-site

$215 - $230/hr

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated ... Design and implement comprehensive training programs for pilots, navigators, and Air Refueling ...

Metrea

Lead Flight Operations Administrator

Temecula, CA · On-site

$51K - $60K/yr

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. Wherever we operate, we build vertically integrated ... Excellent communication abilities are essential for coordinating with pilots, crew members, and ...

Metrea

Maintenance Training Manager

Tampa, FL · On-site

... aerial firefighting, and advanced simulation. We own the whole stack: designing, building, and ... Coordinate technical courses, aviation maintenance programs, and exam updates to ensure pilot and ...

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Aerial Firefighting Pilot information

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$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?

AspectAerial Firefighting PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for firefighting aircraftCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for helicopters
Work EnvironmentFirefighting aircraft, often in remote or wildfire areasVarious, including transport, rescue, or construction sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in wildfire suppression and emergency responseMultiple 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:
Aerial Firefighting Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,193 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract.

Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.