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Air Force Helicopter 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 ...

$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 information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do air force helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force helicopter in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Air Force helicopter?

An Air Force Helicopter job involves piloting, maintaining, or supporting helicopter operations for military missions. Roles include pilots, crew chiefs, and maintenance personnel who ensure aircraft are mission-ready. Helicopters are used for search and rescue, medical evacuations, combat support, and transport missions. Personnel receive specialized training to operate and maintain advanced rotorcraft in various environments.

What types of missions do Air Force helicopter pilots typically undertake?

Air Force Helicopter Pilots may be tasked with a wide range of missions including search and rescue operations, troop transport, medical evacuations, and logistical support. Daily responsibilities can vary depending on the squadron and current operational needs, often involving both training flights and real-world assignments. Pilots work closely with crew members, maintenance teams, and mission planners to ensure successful and safe operations. This diverse mission set offers pilots the opportunity to develop specialized expertise and grow within different career tracks in the Air Force.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Air Force helicopter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Helicopter Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aerodynamics and flight operations, and must typically complete specialized military flight training and obtain necessary security clearances. Familiarity with complex avionics systems, navigation tools, and adherence to strict safety protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills help you excel in high-pressure missions and dynamic environments. Mastery of these competencies ensures safe mission execution, operational effectiveness, and the ability to respond rapidly to evolving situations.

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

Becoming an Air Force helicopter pilot requires completing a bachelor's degree, passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, and meeting physical and medical standards. Candidates must complete Officer Training School or ROTC, then undergo specialized flight training and pilot qualification courses, which are highly competitive and demanding.

How much do Air Force helicopter pilots make?

Air Force helicopter pilots' salaries are based on military pay scales, which depend on rank and years of service. Starting salaries for officers typically range from around $40,000 to $70,000 annually, with higher pay for experienced pilots and those in senior ranks. Additional benefits include housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement plans.

What is the easiest job to get in the Air Force helicopter?

In the Air Force, the easiest helicopter-related job to enter is often the Helicopter Maintenance Technician or Crew Member, which typically requires completing basic training and technical school. These roles generally have less competitive entry requirements compared to pilot positions and focus on supporting helicopter operations through maintenance and support tasks.
More about Air Force Helicopter jobs

What states have the most Air Force Helicopter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Air Force Helicopter 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 $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Fresno, CA • On-site

$89K - $111K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties THIS IS A T32 EXCEPTED SERVICE, INDEFINITE/PERMANENT/TEMPORARY POSITION NOT TO EXCEED 1 YEAR. Indefinite Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively converted to permanent status if/when funding becomes available or position becomes unencumbered. Temporary Positions: Selectee may be non-competitively extended up to 4 years if/when funding becomes available in accordance with CNG FPH 001. This is an open until filled announcement. The announcement will be posted until all positions have been filled. Applications will be reviewed every 30 days and you will receive an email regarding your application status when reviewed. The primary purpose of the HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-12, is to pilot a variety of rotary wing aircraft in support of the missions and functions of the geographical area. May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance. Requirements Conditions of employment CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the California National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. If you are interested in joining the California National Guard, please contact a California National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. https://ca.nationalguard.com/california Compatible Military Assignment and Grade are required. Military technicians must be assigned to a military position in the same unit which they are employed or, in a unit that is supported by the employing activity. Military technicians must hold the military grade specified for the position. Priority Areas(s) of Consideration: Priority consideration is first given to the areas below. AREA I= Current California National Guard employees who are serving on a Permanent/Indefinite/Temporary appointment. AREA II= Current California National Guard members. AREA III= Current military members of the Air Force/Army National Guard, Air Force/Army Reserve or Air Force/Army Active Duty. (Applicants who are currently in other Air/Army branches and NOT currently a member of the California National Guard (CNG) must become a member of a compatible unit of assignment within the Army CNG commensurate with the military grade listed in this announcement prior to federal assignment). Military Grades: WO-1 through WO-3, O-2, or O-3 Recruitment/Relocation Recruitment/Relocation Incentive MAY BE authorized, subject to funding and approval. PCS Relocation Costs MAY BE authorized subject to provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation, funding, and an agency determination that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is in the Government's best interest. May be required to successfully complete a one or two year trial period. Must maintain appropriate level of security clearance. Must wear appropriate military uniform including required grooming standards. Must maintain a compatible military unit, grade and job assignment as required by current directives. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Security Clearance: at a minimum a National Agency Check is required. Qualifications General Experience: Minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level; Have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facility; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-12: Must have at least one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level and have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation; Experience reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information; Experience filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings; Experience with aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments; Experience performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance; Experience conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks; Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders; Experience with flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures; Experience with unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: * Flight Systems
* Mission Execution
* Operation and Control
* Tests and Measurement Education Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school. Must provide Flight Records. Failure to provide will result in automatic disqualification. When there is a positive education or certification requirement, or you are using education to qualify as a substitution for experience, copies of transcripts (unofficial) and/or certificates are required at the time of application to verify that you meet the educational/certification requirement or substitution. Failure to provide transcripts and/or certificates at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional information As a condition of employment, new appointees are required to serve a trial period. Individuals who are initially appointed to a permanent or indefinite position in the CMD must complete a one (1) or two (2) year trial period subject to appointment type (DSMT or T5) and veteran's preference. Trial periods for federal excepted service employees are established under 5 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A-Part 11. MILITARY MEMBERS WITH BONUSES: Upon acceptance of a military technician position military members who are currently receiving a military Reenlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) or GI Bill-SR Kicker may lose incentive eligibility and may be subject to termination or suspension of incentive (includes indefinite and temporary technicians on assignment for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period). If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ). If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please email or Fax to 916-854-3439.

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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