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Air Ambulance Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$85 - $120/hr

Metro Aviation, Inc. is seeking a Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot (IFR/PIC) (EC135) in Shreveport, Louisiana for the Acadian Air Med program. * *$2,000 Sign-On Bonus* * *$5,000 Retention Bonus*

$90 - $120/hr

Metro Aviation, Inc. is seeking a Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot(IFR/PIC) (EC135) in Burlington,Vermont for the DHARTprogram. Click Here To Learn More About Our Vermont Locations! Click Here To View ...

$110 - $150/hr

Metro Aviation, Inc. is seeking a Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot (IFR/PIC) (EC135) in Fort Meade, Maryland for the MedStarTransport program. * $2,000 Sign-On Bonus * $5,000 Retention Bonus

WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

* Location 4200 County Highway U,Hartford, WI, 53027,United States As an Air Ambulance Pilot, you are the critical link in delivering rapid, life-saving transportation for patients in need. Your ...

Rotor Wing Pilot in Command

Ely, NV · On-site

$46.24 - $72.80/hr

As an Air Ambulance Pilot, you are the critical link in delivering rapid, life-saving transportation for patients in need. Your expertise ensures the safety of the medical team and patients during ...

Rotor Wing Pilot in Command

Neenah, WI · On-site

$46.24 - $72.80/hr

As an Air Ambulance Pilot, you are the critical link in delivering rapid, life-saving transportation for patients in need. Your expertise ensures the safety of the medical team and patients during ...

Rotor Wing Pilot in Command

Waupaca, WI · On-site

$46.24 - $72.80/hr

As an Air Ambulance Pilot, you are the critical link in delivering rapid, life-saving transportation for patients in need. Your expertise ensures the safety of the medical team and patients during ...

Showing results 21-40

Air Ambulance Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air ambulance pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for air ambulance pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an air ambulance pilot?

Air ambulance pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying aircraft that transport critically ill or injured patients, medical teams, and essential equipment to and from emergency scenes or healthcare facilities. They operate helicopters or fixed-wing planes designed for medical evacuation and rapid transport. Air ambulance pilots must have advanced flight training, a commercial pilot license, and experience in challenging flying conditions, often working in high-pressure situations to ensure timely and safe delivery of patients and medical personnel.

What does an air ambulance pilot do?

Air ambulance pilots operate helicopters or similar aircraft to assist with emergency rescue and medical transport services. In this role, you may transport a medical team responsible for an organ transplant; move chronically ill patients who are unable to travel by car from one facility to another; or fly a patient in an emergency situation from a small local hospital to a large, critical care facility. Rural communities or areas that are not easily accessible by ambulance often utilize air ambulances. When moving patients, you typically transport medical professionals as well. Some air ambulance pilots are also responsible for basic aircraft maintenance and repair and know how to troubleshoot common aircraft issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an air ambulance pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Ambulance Pilot, you need an FAA commercial pilot’s license, strong flight experience (often in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft), and specialized training in emergency medical aviation operations. Familiarity with avionics, GPS navigation systems, night vision equipment, and certifications like ATP or instrument ratings are typically required. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and timely transport of patients and medical personnel in high-stress, unpredictable environments.

What are the most common challenges faced by air ambulance pilots during emergency missions?

Air Ambulance Pilots frequently encounter challenging weather conditions, unpredictable flight paths, and the need to land in non-traditional or remote locations. They must also coordinate closely with medical teams and air traffic controllers to ensure patient safety and rapid response times. Managing stress and making quick, informed decisions under pressure are essential, as each mission can vary greatly depending on the nature and urgency of the medical emergency.

What is the difference between Air Ambulance Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectAir Ambulance PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft add-on, medical flight trainingCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft certification
Work EnvironmentMedical emergency flights, hospitals, remote areasVarious sectors including transport, tourism, law enforcement
Employer & IndustryMedical service providers, hospitals, emergency servicesAirlines, private companies, government agencies

Air Ambulance Pilots specialize in medical emergency flights, requiring specific medical flight training, while Helicopter Pilots operate in diverse sectors. Both roles demand rotorcraft certifications and share similar flight skills, but their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Air Ambulance Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Air Ambulance Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Ambulance Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Air Ambulance Pilot jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Air Ambulance Pilot jobs?

The top employers for Air Ambulance Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Air Ambulance Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Air Ambulance Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Air Ambulance Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot - IFR/PIC - EC145 - MTO

Metro Aviation

Mount Olive, NC • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform duties related to the operation of the EC145 helicopter as the Pilot-in-Command, including pre-flight inspections, aircraft servicing, and ensuring airworthiness.

  • Maintain communication with supervisors, management, and clients in a professional manner, and attend required meetings and training.

  • Comply with all applicable regulations, directives, and policies related to flight operations and safety.


Metro Aviation rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 67 rated aviation services


Job description

Metro Aviation, Inc. is seeking a Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot (IFR/PIC) (EC145) in Mount Olive, North Carolina for the ECU Health program.

*$2,000 Sign-On Bonus* *$5,000 Retention Bonus* *Pilot Housing* *$10,000 Hardship Stipend Available* *Subject to offer letter terms and policy*

Free benefits offered to all full‑time employees: Family Health and Prescription Insurance, Family Dental Insurance, Family Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short‑term Disability, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Job Objective

The Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) is responsible for all phases and aspects of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. The pilot will uphold the highest standards of flight safety while conducting their duties and represent the Company in the communities we serve in a professional manner at all times. The pilot will maintain a direct, honest, and courteous line of communication with their immediate supervisor, the Company, and the clients we serve. They will recognize the importance of exceptional and professional interpersonal relationships with co‑workers and our clients to ensure the Company’s longevity in this industry.

Essential Functions
  • Directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to the operation of the assigned aircraft at all times
  • Perform duties in a professional and courteous manner to include interaction with customers, co‑workers, Metro Aviation management, and the general public
  • Maintain a work and training schedule as set forth by Metro Aviation, Inc. and also be prepared to occasionally serve extra duty shifts, when called upon, due to the absence of other pilots during vacations, sick or military leave, or when short‑staffed at a base
  • Attend Metro Aviation, Inc. or customer meetings as required
  • Comply with all directives and guidance of the Metro Aviation, Inc. General Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Policy & Procedures, Company Bulletins, Federal Aviation Regulations and any other guidance/directives/regulations as applicable
  • Perform the duties and responsibilities specific to Operational Control, as listed in the Metro Aviation, Inc. General Operations Manual
  • Perform proper pre‑flight inspection, servicing (fuel, oxygen, etc.) and confirm aircraft airworthiness
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the assigned aircraft
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA)
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Possess sound judgment and objectivity in decision‑making
  • Ability to create an environment that demonstrates teamwork and professionalism with diverse personalities and professional backgrounds
  • Ability to maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with internal and external customers
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and strong initiative
  • Proficient in directing and guiding
Required Certificates
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Certificate and Instrument Helicopter Rating (Airline Transport Pilot Rotorcraft Preferred)
  • FAA 2nd Class Medical (1st Class required at some locations)
  • Valid Driver’s License
Minimum Required Experience (Regulatory and CAMTS Requirements)
  • Total Flight Time = 2,000 hours
  • Helicopter Flight Time = 1,200 hours
  • Total Pilot‑in‑Command Helicopter Time = 1,000 hours
  • Turbine Helicopter Time = 500 hours
  • Total X/C Time = 500 hours
  • Total Night Time = 100 hours (50 unaided)
  • Total Instrument Time = 75 hours (50 in flight)
Preferred Experience
  • Air Medical operations
  • Single Pilot IFR operations
  • Night Vision Goggle operations
Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and walking
  • Ability to conduct activities requiring a moderate to rigorous amount of static pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting
  • Capable of lifting 40 pounds floor to bench height
  • Ability to hear and respond to routine aircraft noises
  • Maintain a "duty" weight (body weight + uniform/equipment helmet not included) if applicable per program
  • Ability to wear a commercially available respirator mask with proper fit when requested
  • Require close and distant visual capability
  • Periodic hands to key ability (typing)
Work Environment
  • Temperature controlled office/rest quarters
  • Exposure to outdoor aircraft facility with potential cold and hot temperatures
  • Exposure to running aircraft
  • Exposure to refueling systems
Status & Work Schedule
  • Full Time
  • 7 on / 7 off schedule
  • 12‑hour shifts
  • Workover is available depending on the needs of the program
  • Travel to required annual training
Metro Aviation, Inc. does not have a Visa Sponsorship program at this time

Metro Aviation, Inc. is committed to employees, customers, and the community to promote diversity and inclusion by developing policies, programs, and procedures that foster a work environment where differences are respected and employees are treated fairly.

Metro Aviation, Inc. prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind and ensures equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all aspects of the relationship between Metro Aviation, Inc. and its employees, including recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, wages and salary administration, employee benefits, and application of policies.

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