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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Firefighting information

See Illinois salary details

$27.6K

$57.8K

$96.9K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Illinois is $57,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $66,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerial Firefighting vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectAerial FirefightingHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting-specific trainingCommercial Pilot License, often with helicopter ratings
Work EnvironmentFire zones, remote areas, often during emergenciesVarious, including transport, surveillance, and firefighting support
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractorsAirlines, charter companies, government agencies, firefighting services

While both roles involve piloting helicopters, aerial firefighting focuses on using aircraft to combat wildfires, requiring specialized firefighting training. Helicopter pilots may work in diverse sectors, including transportation and surveillance, with less emphasis on firefighting-specific skills. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

What are aerial firefighting jobs?

Aerial firefighting jobs involve flying a plane or helicopter to extinguish wildfires, protect property, and save lives. Pilots fly as part of a crew and drop water or other fire retardants to contain the fire and minimize damage. Some aerial firefighters are “smokejumpers,” which means they parachute or rappel into wildfire areas to combat their spread. As an aerial firefighter, your responsibilities involve preserving woodlands and deserts while protecting the safety of residents and your crew, so these jobs are not for the faint of heart. You must be physically fit and able to endure stressful situations and harsh conditions for extended periods. Additionally, both roles require specialized training.

What is aerial firefighting?

Aerial firefighting is the use of aircraft to combat wildfires from the air. Specialized planes and helicopters drop water or fire retardant chemicals directly onto fires or in strategic locations to slow their spread. These aircraft can also be used for reconnaissance, mapping, and transporting firefighters or equipment to hard-to-reach areas. Aerial firefighting is often coordinated with ground crews to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety. This method is essential in managing large, fast-moving, or remote wildfires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in aerial firefighting?

To thrive in aerial firefighting, you need advanced piloting skills, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of specialized firefighting and aviation training. Experience with aircraft like helicopters or fixed-wing air tankers, FAA certifications, and proficiency in using GPS navigation and radio communication systems are typically required. Outstanding teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for this high-risk environment. These abilities are essential to ensure safety, effective wildfire suppression, and coordination with ground crews during complex emergency missions.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by aerial firefighting crews during wildfire season?

Aerial firefighting crews often contend with unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing fire behavior, and challenging terrain that can make flying and water drops both risky and complex. Coordinating with ground teams is essential, as is maintaining constant communication to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. Additionally, long hours and high-stress situations require strong teamwork and adaptability, making both physical fitness and mental resilience key components of success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Aerial Firefighting jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Aerial Firefighting job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,760 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic

GovernmentJobs.com

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Firefighter

Employer: Village of Oak Park

Salary: $80,943.00 Annually

Location: Oak Park, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Fire

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Union: IAFF

FLSA: Non-exempt

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergency and other calls to protect life and property; to participate in fire prevention and training; and to maintain the station and firefighting and/or paramedic

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze patient needs and establish priorities for treatment; administer lifesaving procedures immediately.
  • Respond to fire alarms, rescue calls and other emergency incidents; perform the full range of fire suppression duties including laying and connecting hose; maintaining fire apparatus; directing water and chemical streams to suppress fire; raising and climbing ladders; ventilating burning structures; and entering buildings to evacuate occupants.
  • Provide Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support treatment as required by standing protocol or E.R. orders; may administer EKG monitoring, IV fluids, defibrillation, intubation, extrication, bleeding control, oxygen, splinting and other treatment as required.
  • Administer first aid; assist other paramedics at medical emergencies; apply techniques for the control of bleeding; utilize immobilization techniques to stabilize patient.
  • Respond to a variety of general emergency rescue calls including auto accidents, gas system leaks and trapped or injured persons.
  • Operate all types of fire suppression and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment and emergency medical equipment.
  • Clean apparatus and equipment at fire stations; maintain quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds and hydrants.
  • Maintain inventory and equipment in emergency apparatus; stock supplies as needed; maintain the cleanliness and order of the truck.
  • Participate in salvage and cleanup operations.
  • Inspect building structures for compliance with fire codes; prepare reports and citations; explain City fire codes and fire prevention policies and procedures to the public.
  • Respond to hazardous materials incidents; secure hazardous material scenes and identify spilled chemicals and other materials posing danger to the public; participate in hazardous materials clean-up activities.
  • Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions on firefighting techniques, emergency medical care and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications

Knowledge of:

  • Advanced life support and basic life support procedures and techniques. Human anatomy and body functions.
  • Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting.
  • Operation of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use. Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
  • Advanced first aid, C.P.R. and other medical assistance techniques. Hazardous materials.
  • Layout of the City's streets and districts.

Ability to:

  • Administer emergency medical treatment.
  • Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
  • Meet the first aid requirement as prescribed by the State of Illinois and to administer first aid. Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
  • Demonstrate physical aptitude.
  • Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
  • Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
  • Analyze medical and fire emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action.
  • Operate and maintain voice radio equipment. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Maintain physical condition to perform essential duties as specified by firefighter certification.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

  • Performing life threatening firefighting activities in an emergency situation
  • Running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations
  • Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons
  • Climbing stairs/ladders
  • Performing life-saving and rescue procedures
  • Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
  • Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

  • Fire encompassed surroundings
  • Dangerous persons
  • Dangerous animals
  • Hazards of emergency driving
  • Hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic
  • Natural and man-made disasters.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

  • Making observations
  • Communicating with others
  • Reading and writing
  • Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

  • Exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances
  • Evaluating various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
  • Demonstrating intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.
Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: One year of firefighting experience.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level coursework in fire science, fire administration or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license and Emergency Vehicle Driving Endorsement at the end of the probationary period.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Illinois Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic License.

Possession of or ability to obtain approval to function as a Paramedic within the Fire Department's Emergency Medical System.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Illinois State Fire Marshal Basic Operations Firefighter /Fire Fighter II Certificate, National Incident Management IMS 100, 200 & 700 Certifications and National Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Certificate within one year.

Working Conditions

Work in an emergency firefighting environment; work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids and noise; running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and lifting; work in inclement weather conditions.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.