1

Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most. Bring your experience to the flight deck.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most. Bring your experience to the flight deck.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most. Bring your experience to the flight deck.

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most. Bring your experience to the flight deck.

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training ... air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 100 pounds; working at heights; and ...

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training ... air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 100 pounds; working at heights; and ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Air Tanker Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air tanker pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 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 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 as an air tanker pilot?

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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

For Air Tanker Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% 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.

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA • On-site

afi
51 - 200 employees

$82K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

FLY THE RJ85  |  FIGHT WILDFIRES  |  MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you’ll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.

Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.

PILOT - RJ85

Summary 

Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time.  Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.

Specific Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
•    Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
•    Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
•    Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
•    Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
•    Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
•    Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
•    Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
•    Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
•    Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
•    Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

 

Other Duties:
•    Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
•    Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
•    Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
•    Perform maintenance flights as required.
•    Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge:
•    Aeronautical – Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
•    Regulatory – Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures
•    Mechanical – Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
•    Human Factors – Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
•    Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
•    Adaptability – Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

 

Abilities:
•    Aeronautical Decision Making – Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
•    Airmanship – Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
•    Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking – Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance.
•    Computer Literacy – Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
•    Technical comprehension and writing – Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL.

 

Education and Experience

  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL)  – (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine 
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew 
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience – preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Competencies
•    Deadline oriented and organized
•    Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office.

 

Travel
Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.