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Air Tractor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$33.36 - $38.92/hr

Operates straight-in-line trucks, tractors with semi-trailers or full trailers; and/or motor ... Connects and disconnects the air brakes and electrical lines. * Maneuvers vehicles within close ...

Line Service Technician SN-1

Arlington, SD · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

... alert air traffic control and pilots to irregular conditions. 8. Ability to perform pavement ... Ability to operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to; radio, tractors, and ...

Be Seen First

... , mechanical, appliance repair, and other work that may be required. Employee must exercise ... Operate a variety of vehicles and equipment including Trucks, Snowplow, Tractor, Snowblower, skill ...

Transport Technician

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $35/hr

... pilot car operators, and private escorts) * Review all transportation documentation prior to ... Knowledge and experience in transport equipment (tractor and trailer) design and maintenance

Airport Operations Specialist

Minden, NV · On-site

$29.72 - $41.62/hr

Tact and diplomacy are required in contacts with pilots, businesses, the general public, employees ... Operates various types of equipment and vehicles including tractor, backhoe, forklift, bucket lift ...

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Showing results 1-20

Air Tractor Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do air tractor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for air tractor 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Air Tractor Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Tractor Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, flight safety knowledge, and a valid commercial pilot’s license with the appropriate ratings, often including agricultural spraying or firefighting endorsements. Experience with GPS navigation systems, ag-aviation chemical handling, and familiarity with Air Tractor aircraft operations are essential. Exceptional situational awareness, communication, and decision-making abilities help you adapt to changing weather, environmental conditions, and coordinate with ground crews. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of specialized missions, such as crop dusting or aerial firefighting, where precision and safety are paramount.

What does a typical workday look like for an Air Tractor Pilot, and what types of missions are commonly performed?

A typical workday for an Air Tractor Pilot varies depending on the type of operation and season. Tasks often include pre-flight inspections, planning and executing flight routes for agricultural spraying, firefighting, or other low-level aerial applications, and maintaining communication with ground support teams. You can expect early starts or variable hours based on weather and mission requirements, and frequent adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness. In addition to flying, pilots are responsible for record-keeping and monitoring equipment performance. The role offers a dynamic and independent work environment, with opportunities to develop specialized skills and advance to training, supervisory, or management positions within the industry.

What is an Air Tractor Pilot job?

An Air Tractor Pilot operates an Air Tractor aircraft, typically used for agricultural spraying, firefighting, or aerial application tasks. Their responsibilities include safely flying over fields or fire zones to disperse chemicals, water, or fire retardant. They must have a commercial pilot's license, specialized training, and knowledge of weather conditions, aerodynamics, and safety regulations. Air Tractor Pilots play a crucial role in agriculture and firefighting by ensuring efficient and precise product application.

More about Air Tractor Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tractor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Tractor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Air Tractor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Tractor Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Tractor Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Motor Vehicle Operator

$33.36 - $38.92/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
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Duties
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  • Operates straight-in-line trucks, tractors with semi-trailers or full trailers; and/or motor coaches, which typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight of more than 32,000 pounds.
  • Connects and disconnects the air brakes and electrical lines.
  • Maneuvers vehicles within close tolerance when driving and backing over uneven ground; in narrow or congested areas; between buildings and other vehicles; and when positioning vehicles at loading docks.
  • Directs the arranging of cargo or assists in the operation for proper weight distribution and loading/unloading sequence.
  • Performs operator maintenance tasks: checks gasoline, oil, water, air pressure, steering gear, horn, brakes, etc.
  • Completes trip tickets and fills out reports in case of accident.
  • May perform materials handling and packing duties to include receiving, storing, issuing, picking and packing a variety of materials.
  • May operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as forklifts to load/unload and move materials.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Security Requirements: Non-Critical Sensitive with Secret Access
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Bargaining Unit Status: Yes
  • Pre-Employment Physical: Required
  • Selectees are required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification documents to access certain federal facilities. See https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for more information.
  • This position and any future selections from this announcement may be used to fill various shifts located within DLA Distribution Bangor, Washington.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Material Handling Equipment (MHE) license.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain licenses and/or certifications required by the installation, federal, state, and local laws.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license/certification to operate government vehicles. Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid MHE license.
  • Must possess a current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a pilot escort operator certification.
  • Must be able to operate Class A vehicles with a gross combination weight of vehicles of 200,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain basic radiation worker qualification ("J" qual.)
  • Must be licensed for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with the following endorsements: tank trailers, doubles, hazardous materials, and air brake restriction.

Qualifications
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition.
The SOE and minimum qualifications for this position is:
  • Ability to do the work of a Motor Vehicle Operator without more than normal supervision (SOE): Perform the common tasks of the job to be filled on my own initiative and receive help from my supervisor on more complex duties, such as operate vehicles with gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds and up to 26,000 pounds both on and off the installation, over public roads in all types of traffic and in congested industrial areas.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Effort: The incumbents work requires close attention, good vision and color perception, judgement of distances, reaction time, and hearing above average. Must pass a physical exam and be able to lift heavy chains, bars, hooks, etc., to make couplings between vehicle and towed equipment. Frequently handles objects weighing up to 20 pounds or more; and occasionally material weighing over 50 pounds or more.
Working Conditions: Works inside and outside of trucks in the outdoors in all types if weather conditions, rain, snow, sunshine and winds. The MVO withstands vibration, unpleasant odors, noise, and dampness. Drives on congested city roads, highways, and poorly maintained roads.
May be exposed continuously to hazards pertaining to the handling, hauling, and movement of heavy materials as well as moving objects, sharp edges, fumes, smog, and collision which could cause severe injuries or death. Worker may be exposed to unpackaged or packaged explosives, toxic, flammable, corrosive, or caustic materials.
Additional information
For Important General Applicant Information and Definitions go to: http://www.dla.mil/portals/104/documents/careers/GenAppInfoDef.pdf
Reemployed Annuitants: This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF
Information for Veterans is available at: https://www.dla.mil/Careers/Programs/. As of 23 December 2016, Military retirees seeking to enter federal service in the Department of Defense now require a waiver if they would be appointed within 180 days following their official date of retirement.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is committed to maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace. All DLA employees are required to refrain from illegal drug use on and off duty. DLA conducts pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing.
Applicants tentatively selected for employment in testing designated positions will undergo a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs will result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer and a six-month denial of employment with DLA from the date of the drug test. Employees in drug testing designated positions are subject to random drug testing. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
The DLA drug testing panel tests for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and opioids.
ADVISORY: Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana. DLA employees are subject to Federal law and under Federal law, Marijuana is illegal.
Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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