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Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

Site Manager

Altus, OK · On-site

... Air Force base and community; includes staff meetings, community planning activities, local ... Experience as a military tanker Pilot/Boom Operator Instructor or receiver Pilot Instructor ...

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Air Tanker Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air tanker pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for air tanker 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 does a typical day look like for an Air Tanker Pilot during fire season?

During fire season, an Air Tanker Pilot's day often begins with a weather and mission briefing, followed by pre-flight inspections and coordination with ground and air crews. Missions typically involve flying precise routes at low altitudes to drop fire retardant over designated wildfire zones, often requiring quick adaptation to changing fire conditions. Pilots frequently work in teams and are in constant communication with dispatchers, flight crews, and firefighting personnel on the ground. Downtime between missions may include aircraft maintenance, additional training, and safety reviews. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, demanding both technical expertise and flexible collaboration.

What does an Air Tanker Pilot do?

An Air Tanker Pilot operates specially equipped aircraft to drop water or fire retardant on wildfires, helping to contain and control the spread of fires. They fly in challenging conditions, often navigating through smoke, turbulence, and mountainous terrain to make precise retardant drops. Air Tanker Pilots work closely with fire crews on the ground and air traffic controllers to ensure safe and effective firefighting operations. This role requires extensive flight experience, specialized training, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

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

To thrive as an Air Tanker Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive experience in low-level flight, and typically a commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Familiarity with specialized firefighting aircraft, GPS navigation, and onboard communication systems is essential. Strong decision-making, stress management, and teamwork abilities help pilots excel in challenging and dynamic environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, mission effectiveness, and successful coordination during wildfire suppression operations.

More about Air Tanker Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Tanker Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Air Tanker Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Air Tanker Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Tanker Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Air Tanker Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
Air Tanker Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Air Operations Squadron - Senior Controller

Air Operations Squadron - Senior Controller

BLUEFORCE INC

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

BlueForce Inc.  is seeking Senior Controllers in support of the USAF Air Combat Command (HQ ACC)'s Air Operations Squadron at Langley AFB, VA. 
Do you enjoy working 3-4 days a week?  Are you open to rotating shifts? Are you a retired military pilot, fighter/tanker pilot, WSO, or navigator? If you have the technical expertise to ensure that military aircrew safely execute worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions, then this position is for you.
Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure that military aircrew safely executes worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions.
  • Ensure mission execution requirements have been identified, coordinated, and finalized.
  • Ensure the Go/No Go mission checklist is completed, and timely and correct mission decisions are made prior to execution.
  • Oversee scheduling, preparing, tracking, and maintaining records on scheduled missions.
  • Develop a comprehensive training program that encompasses all aspects of government provided training objectives.
  • Complete the AOS closing checklist as required.
  • Previous or current DoD Secret clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 10 years of qualified experience as a Military Pilot or Navigator or at least 10 years of qualified experience as a Technical Controller in the Mission Control Center.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Prior CORONET experience either as a delivery control officer or have participated in an overwater aircraft delivery as either a fighter or tanker crew member is highly desirable

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