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Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Firefighting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$61.4K

$103K

How much do aerial firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial firefighting in Chicago, IL is $61,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $71,100.00 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.
More about Aerial Firefighting jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Firefighting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Aerial Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Firefighting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% 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 $61,403 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Firefighter - Steel Mill - Lake County

Allied Universal

East Chicago, IN

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,574 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 116 rated security

Job description

Overview

Company Overview:

Allied Universal®, North America’s leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that contributes to a culture that positively impacts the communities and customers we serve.


Job Description

Great opportunity to expand your career in the Fire Industry! 

 

  • $22 / Hour
  • Weekly Pay!!
  • Full Time Position (Burns Harbor add – Must be able to work 24/48 schedule)
  • Must have a valid driver's license for at least one year
  • Must have certification as Firefighter II (State of Indiana)
  • Must have Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Operations
  • Must have a current EMT or EMR certification - If you do not have EMT or EMR we can put you in our next EMR class and discuss our probationary firefighter positions. 
  • Must have OSHA 10. If you do not have Osha 10, ask how to obtain it!

 

Allied Universal is currently looking for Firefighters.

 

 

The Firefighter position will include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Firefighters will be responsible for the response to all hazardous material incidents as well as rescue situations involving but not limited to confined space incidents, aerial or high angle incidents, water related incidents, vehicle entrapment, and equipment entrapment.
  • Firefighters will be responsible for the response to all fire prevention and suppression activities of whatever kind or nature relating to structures, buildings, and other assets located on the plant property.
  • Firefighters will be expected to acquire a working knowledge of the fire detection, suppression, and transmission systems on the plant property including system operation, system deactivation, system support activities, and system restoration.
  • Firefighters will be responsible for the completion of various fire maintenance duties. These duties will include but not be limited to:
  • the pickup, refilling, servicing, delivery and required testing of plant fire extinguishers; low pressure hydrostatic testing;
  • refilling SCBA
  • inspection and recharging of C02 cartridges used in Ansul fire extinguish
  • fire alarm system testing;
  • hydrant testing;
  • fire department connection inspections;
  • Hose reel inspections and any other reasonable fire maintenance related tasks.
  • Firefighters will be responsible for completing all fire, fire maintenance and fire system related reports associated with their work duties.
  • Qualified applicants for the Firefighter position will meet the minimum requirements, as described below:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
  • Must have a clean criminal record.
  • Ability to successfully pass a drug screen/background check.
  • Individual must be able to pass a State level fit test and yearly NFPA Physical
  • Must have Fire I & II, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, a valid EMT or EMR certification 

Closing

Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.


Requisition ID
2026-1582110

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About Allied Universal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

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