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

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

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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.

Paramedic/Firefighter - Western Springs

Paramedic Services of Illinois

Western Springs, IL

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Us:
 
At Paramedic Services of Illinois, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality emergency medical care to our community. Our company culture is centered around the belief that every individual deserves prompt and professional medical attention delivered with empathy and respect.
What You’ll Do:
  • As a Paramedic at Paramedic Services of Illinois, you will be an integral part of our team, responding to emergency calls and providing essential medical care to patients in need. Your primary responsibilities will include:
  • Responding promptly to emergency calls and assessing the medical needs of patients.
  • Administering appropriate medical treatment and interventions according to established protocols and guidelines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to safely lift, transfer, and maneuver patients in and out of ambulances, facilities, residences, and other locations.
  • Communicating effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals and other emergency responders to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care.
  • Completes and maintains accurate records and documentation with regard to transport, equipment inspection, supplies usage incidents, and other forms of documentation inherent in the operation.
  • Demonstrates, by attendance and documentation, compliance with PSI and/or the Department of Health requirements for continuing education and licensure.
  • Maintains a clean and complete uniform, personal hygiene, and professional, pleasant, and polite demeanor to all persons with whom the individual comes in contact while on duty.
  • Inspects and promptly reports damage, deficiencies, safety issues or other problems with ambulances, company vehicles, equipment and supplies, or any other matters relevant to the safe, efficient and proper operation of the company; assists with vehicle and equipment maintenance and station maintenance.
  • Participates in public education, public relations, public health safety programs, emergency medical service training, fire training, fire prevention activities, fire suppression, rescue, extrication, hazardous material situations, demonstrations, instructing, and any other activity that would benefit the company, its contracting communities, or the general public.
  • Respond to fire alarms with assigned company; lay and connect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; ventilate burning structures; enter buildings to evacuate occupants.
  • Operate all types of fire operation 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.
  • Preserve evidence at fire scenes.
  • Perform search and rescue of individuals in hazardous environments including collapsed buildings, auto accidents, hazardous material spills and confined spaces.
  • Attend special instruction in firefighting emergency medical techniques; perform drills with other engine company staff; become familiar with city layout, established response routes and hydrant system; prepare and maintain a variety of firefighting preplan drawings and schematics.
  • Firefighter/Paramedic employees assist in the training of fire department personnel in emergency medical techniques and medical field activities; maintain inventory of drugs and controlled substances.

UNIQUE POSITION BENEFITS
  • Ability to apply to become paid-on-call (POC) member of department and have the ability to earn additional compensation.
  • Support for specialized and advanced fire/rescue/EMS training.
  • Ability to train and serve as an acting company officer for the department. 
  • Excellent work environment with tremendous community support of the department.  
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Current/Valid Illinois Driver’s License of proper classification
  • Successful completion of a Paramedic program and maintain a current/valid Illinois Department of Public Health License
  • Capable of completing continuing education and testing requirements in the system that you are assigned
  • State of Illinois Firefighter Certifications (for Firefighter applicants)
  • Successful completion of a professional and criminal background check
  • Successfully pass pre-employment testing including a Fit for Duty Physical, Drug Screening, Agility and Lifting Evaluation
Preferred Certifications (but not required):
  • ACLS
  • PALS/PEPP
  • PHTLS/ BTLS/ITLS
  • CPR Instructor
Compensation & Benefits Package Includes:
  • Competitive Pay - From $75,000 Annually
  • Paid Time Off/Sick time
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • 24/48-Hour Shifts
  • PPO Health & Dental Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Scheduled Performance Evaluations
  • Flexible Benefits Plan (FSA)
  • Short & Long Term Off-Duty Disability Insurance
  • Aflac Insurance
  • Service Award Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Switch Time Privileges
  • Selective Tuition Reimbursement
  • Reimbursement for State of Illinois EMS Relicensing Fee
  • Uniforms Provided
  • Retirement Award Program
Company Culture:
 
At Paramedic Services of Illinois, our company culture is built on the foundation of compassion, professionalism, and teamwork. For 50 years, we have been committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Our philosophy extends not only to our patients but also to our employees, who play a vital role in fulfilling our mission of providing exceptional emergency medical care to our communities.
 
Join our team at Paramedic Services of Illinois and be part of a company that truly cares about its employees and the communities we serve. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.