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Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Platform Aerospace

DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$101K - $132K/yr

Act as Pilot in Command (PIC), performing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks ... air tanks, test equipment, and other objects weighing up to 50 pounds; working at heights; and ...

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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 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.

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Air Tanker Pilot jobs near you
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.

Cardlock Technician - Odessa, TX

Odessa, TX • On-site

Pilot Thomas Logistics
Oil and Gas Extraction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Pilot Thomas Logisticsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Cardlock Technician - Odessa, TX
Summary:
Responsible for maintenance and repairs to Pilot Thomas Logistics (PTL) owned equipment of a cardlock system; Card Readers (Point of Sale), pumping units (fuel pumps and all components), and storage tanks (both above ground and underground tanks). Training provided on proper maintenance and care of all PTL owned equipment and Cardlock facilities.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Perform monthly state inspections
  • Perform Pilot Thomas Logistics equipment inspection and make necessary repairs as needed
  • Ensure contractor is performing their minor maintenance duties as required by Pilot Thomas Logistics
  • Complete work orders dispatched by Cardlock Asset Management department
  • Minor electrical duties and electronic diagnosis may be performed

Other Functions: :
  • Special projects as requested
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:
  • Valid state driver's license and clean driving record.
  • Ability to attend and obtain a state "B" operator certification.
  • Ability to operate a 2-way radio, and follow instructions.
  • Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • General understanding of oil and gas operations.
  • Ability to keep accurate records of maintenance events.
  • Ability to read and understand written documentation.
  • Ability to follow operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Analytical skills required; ability to cipher problematic issues on all Cardlock equipment.
  • Mechanical skills required; familiar with basis hand tool skills.

Education:
  • High School Diploma required (or GED/High School Equivalency Certificate is acceptable)
  • Associate's Degree preferred

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds
  • Have a strong commitment to safe working practices
  • Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment
  • Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions
  • Some travel may be required (up to 10% land or air)
  • May be exposed to temperature extremes, enclosed space, heights and dust and/or dirt

Apply