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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Aerial Firefighting information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.9K

$54.1K

$90.8K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Tennessee is $54,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $62,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Tennessee? For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,100 per year, or $26 per hour.

Fire Private II Lateral (FC 131)

City of Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN • On-site

$73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description


Salary Range:$73,556.86 - $73,556.86
Works under the direction of an assigned Lieutenant. Listens for alarm and details of radio message received from alarm office. Searches for victims in smoky areas and determines safest evacuation routes for self and victim. Pries open vehicles, equipment, or structures using specialized equipment such as the hydraulic rescue tool. Drags or carries an unconscious victim down ladders or stairs. Connects hoses and couplings to water sources, pumps, nozzles, etc. and advances charged hose lines to fight fire. Identifies flammable or hazardous materials. Lifts and maneuvers hand-held and hand-raised ladders. Extinguishes fires in areas where there is no visibility and extreme heat. Opens holes in structures using axes, pike poles, or other equipment. Preserves evidence of arson for use by an arson investigator. Develops and maintains current knowledge of well-established firefighting procedures and maintains certifications and licenses. Cleans equipment and inspects or tests equipment on apparatus. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical information. Conducts assessments of patients and administers emergency medical care as a pre-hospital care provider. Transports patients to the appropriate hospital for appropriate treatment in response to patient's condition.
Responsibilities
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires walking, running, crawling, standing, climbing, stooping, and lifting and carrying a victim, hose, or other equipment weighing an average of 160-200 lbs. while wearing turnouts, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), air mask, gloves, etc. for long periods of time. Requires the ability to meet all physical demands required to extinguish fires and to make routine inspections of buildings, hydrants, and immediate surroundings for existence of fire hazards.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Will be exposed to extreme heat, thick smoke, and toxic fumes in firefighting situations. May be exposed to contagious infections and diseases in emergency situations. Works from assigned fire station to perform firefighting duties in emergency vehicles, such as aerial trucks, engines, or other apparatus at the scene of fires. Must be able to work a twenty-four (24) hour shift rotation. Exposed to extreme weather conditions. Interacts with the public under possibly stressful and/or dangerous conditions.
Qualifications
State of Tennessee National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certified Firefighter I, II and EMT or AEMT, or eligible for reciprocity in the State of Tennessee and two (2) years of experience with a full- time Fire Service or five (5) years with a volunteer Fire Service. Candidate's age must be at least nineteen (19) years by the starting date of the hiring class for which he/she is considered; and candidate's age cannot exceed forty-five (45) years by the date of employment in this position. Must pass comprehensive medical examination and a physical ability test. Required to complete coursework/testing to obtain and maintain a Paramedic license by the State of Tennessee within twenty-four (24) months from their date of employment if applicant holds Advanced EMT licensure or within thirty-six (36) months of their date of employment if applicant holds EMT licensure. Must possess and maintain a valid Class D Tennessee Driver's License with Endorsement F, as a condition of employment. Out of State applicants must have a valid driver's license upon entry into the Fire Training Academy and within six (6) months must have a valid Tennessee Driver's License with Endorsement F.