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Air Force Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ...

CA ยท On-site

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ...

Showing results 21-40

Air Force Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do air force helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Air Force helicopter pilot do?

An Air Force Helicopter Pilot operates rotary-wing aircraft to support a variety of missions, including combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, special operations, and disaster relief. They undergo extensive flight training and must master navigation, aerial maneuvers, and mission execution in various environments. Pilots work closely with aircrews and ground teams to ensure successful mission outcomes. Their role requires quick decision-making, leadership skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force helicopter pilot?

To thrive as an Air Force Helicopter Pilot, you need strong aviation skills, a bachelor's degree, completion of military flight training, and the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance. Familiarity with advanced avionics, navigation systems, and flight operational software is essential, along with certification as a military aviator. Leadership, strong decision-making, and effective communication are key soft skills for managing crew and mission dynamics. These skills are vital to ensure mission success, safety, and effective teamwork under pressure in diverse operational environments.

What does a typical work schedule look like for an Air Force helicopter pilot?

Air Force Helicopter Pilots typically have schedules that vary depending on mission requirements, training exercises, and deployment cycles. While standard duty hours are maintained during routine operations, pilots must also be prepared for emergency or extended missions that can include nights, weekends, and rapid response situations. The role involves a balance of flight hours, mission planning, equipment checks, and ongoing training. Working as part of a close-knit team, helicopter pilots regularly collaborate with crew members, maintenance personnel, and commanding officers to achieve operational objectives.

Can I be an Air Force helicopter pilot?

Yes, becoming an Air Force helicopter pilot requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree, and passing physical and medical exams. Candidates must complete officer training and flight training, demonstrating strong skills in aviation, leadership, and decision-making.

How hard is it to become an Air Force helicopter pilot?

Becoming an Air Force helicopter pilot requires meeting strict eligibility criteria, completing officer training, and gaining flight experience through specialized training programs. Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, passing physical and medical exams, and demonstrating strong leadership and technical skills. The process is competitive and demanding, with rigorous training to ensure proficiency in helicopter operations.

How much do Air Force helicopter pilots make?

Air Force helicopter pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. Military pay is based on pay grades and includes allowances for housing and other benefits, with pilots often receiving additional incentives for flight hours and specialized skills.
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What cities are hiring for Air Force Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Air Force Helicopter Pilot job openings:

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

The most popular types of Air Force Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Air Force Helicopter Pilot jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Air Force Helicopter Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Air Force Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Air Force Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

US Department of the Air Force

Wright-patterson Air Force Base, OH โ€ข On-site

$76K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER