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How much do air tanker base jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for air tanker base in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Air Tanker Base job?

An Air Tanker Base job involves supporting aerial firefighting operations by coordinating aircraft logistics, refueling, loading fire retardant, and ensuring safety at the base. Personnel manage communications, track aircraft movements, and assist pilots with mission preparations. These roles are crucial in wildfire suppression efforts, requiring teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols.

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

To excel at an Air Tanker Base, you should possess strong operational management skills, knowledge of aviation logistics, and experience in emergency response, often backed by relevant certifications such as wildfire or hazmat training. Familiarity with specialized software for resource tracking, air traffic communication systems, and incident command protocols is crucial. Excellent teamwork, adaptability under pressure, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated air tanker operations, particularly during high-stakes wildfire response situations.

What does a typical day look like for an employee working at an Air Tanker Base?

A typical day at an Air Tanker Base involves coordinating air tanker dispatches, monitoring operational readiness of equipment and crews, and maintaining regular communication with pilots, ground teams, and fire incident commanders. Employees may review weather and fire behavior reports, oversee fueling or loading of aircraft, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols. The role often requires multitasking and rapid decision-making during emergency wildfire response periods. Teamwork is essential, as staff work closely with other base personnel, aviation professionals, and fire management agencies. This collaborative, action-oriented environment provides unique challenges and the opportunity to make a significant impact on wildfire suppression efforts.

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What cities are hiring for Air Tanker Base jobs? Cities with the most Air Tanker Base job openings:
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Air Tanker Base jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Tanker Base job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Deputy Chief Aviation Officer - Fixed Wing

Texas A&M Forest Service

College Station, TX

$8K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title

Deputy Chief Aviation Officer - Fixed Wing

Agency

Texas A&M Forest Service

Department

Aviation Department

Proposed Minimum Salary

$8,750.00 monthly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

This position will provide leadership to the agency's aviation program in operations. This position will ensure safety, accountability and excellence in all fire suppression, all-risk and training missions. The Deputy Chief will recruit, retain and develop employees as well as keep the Chief Aviation Officer informed on all things impacting air operations. This position will also maintain oversight and accountability of budget.

Responsibilities:

-Provide leadership and direction to assigned staff and resources. Ensure aircraft are properly maintained and ready for all missions. Work closely with Chief Aviation Officer and Division leadership on resource availability and positioning.

-Maintain oversight of all assigned operational budgets. Work closely with Chief Aviation Officer, Division leadership on budgetary needs, both current and future.

-Ensure appropriate training, exercising and development programs are implemented and followed by staff.

-Maintain appropriate equipment and staffing levels on aircraft.

-Ensure compliance with all agency policies and procedures.

-Other duties as assigned.

Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

***This is an emergency response position. Long hours may be required to work long hours outside of the normal work week. Travel will be required.

Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelors degree in Aviation, Fire Science, Emergency Management or related field of study or the equivalent combination of education or experience.

Preferred Education: Masters degree in Aviation, Fire Science, Emergency Management or related field of study
Required Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years experience in fire and emergency response with a recognized response entity.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Knowledge of fire suppression aircraft, operations, maintenance, policies and procedures. Knowledge of fire suppression strategies and tactics.

Required Abilities: Ability to lead others. Provide program oversight and manage budget. Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.


Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days employment. Air Tanker Base Manager (ATBM) or Single Engine Air Tanker Manager (SEMG)

Preferred: NWCG Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS), NWCG Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Emergency Medical Technician - Basic or higher

Applicant Instructions:

Resume, cover letter and transcript (if applicable) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application.References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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