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Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Rayville, LA · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Eastland, TX · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Paris, TX · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site +1

$88K - $97K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

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Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

A Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response missions. They transport crews, equipment, and water or fire retardant to combat wildfires across California. Pilots must have extensive flight experience, knowledge of fire suppression tactics, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments. They work closely with ground crews and incident commanders to support fire suppression efforts safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a strong understanding of wildfire behavior, and extensive flight experience—typically supported by a commercial helicopter pilot license and relevant flight hours. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, GPS navigation systems, and radio communication is required, along with completion of specific CAL FIRE and FAA certifications. Exceptional decision-making, calm under pressure, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These capabilities help ensure operational safety, precise coordination during emergencies, and the successful execution of critical firefighting missions.

What are the typical work hours and conditions for Cal Fire helicopter pilots?

Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots often work long shifts that can include weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak wildfire seasons. The role involves rapid response to emergencies, which means pilots must be ready to mobilize quickly and operate in variable weather and challenging terrain. Work is typically team-oriented, partnering closely with ground crews, air attack supervisors, and dispatch operations. While demanding, the dynamic environment offers a rewarding sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a significant impact on public safety and environmental protection.

How to become a Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot?

To become a Cal Fire helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, relevant flight experience, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Applicants must also meet medical and background requirements and often gain experience in emergency response or firefighting environments.

Is 40 too old to become a Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot?

Cal Fire helicopter pilots typically need a commercial pilot license, flight experience, and physical fitness, with no strict age limit. Many agencies value experience and skills over age, so being 40 is not necessarily a barrier if you meet the qualifications and pass medical and training requirements.
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Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

REACH Helicopter Pilot (Fire) - HAA

Reno, NV

Global Medical Response
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Global Medical Responseexternal

$89K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Global Medical Response rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

HAA Pilot Full-Time Opportunity

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today!

We’re hiring aHelicopter Pilotto provide medical air transportation services for REACH customers. Safety isa key pillar of ourservices. 

Incentives 

  • $106,511 - $117,162 Salary including 20% Geo Modifier 
  • 15K Sign on Bonus, subject to eligibility 
  • Retention Bonus Plans ($40,000 after 3 years, plus additional retention bonuses once completed) 
  • Eligible for a $5000 Fire Stipend (Upon successful completion of the required Fire Check Ride, subject to applicable eligibility requirements)
  • On Duty Housing (for select locations) 
  • 7 Days On and 7 Days Off Schedule 

Responsibilities 

  • Working with a team of medical expertstosafelytransport customers to and fromlocations and facilities 
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatchesas described in the appropriate manuals,includingallFARand REACH requirements, andaircraft cleanlinessduties 
  • MaintainaccurateREACH and regulatorydocumentation andrecord keeping 
  • Effectively communicate and collaboratewith dispatch, flight crews,facilities,and partners 
  • Provide shift change infoto successive pilotandteam followingprotocol forrecordingA REACH change boarddetails 
  • Accountable tomaintainrequiredcertifications and ongoing training 

MinimumRequirements 

  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate 
  • Helicopter instrument rating 
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate 
  • Must meet U.S. Forest Service carding requirements:
    • 100 flight hours in the past 12 months
    • 50 hours in the AS350
    • 200 hours of mountain flight time (as defined by AIM
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours 
  • 2,000 Helicopter Hours 
  • 1,000 Helicopter PIC Hours 
  • 1000 Turbine Helicopter Hours 
  • 200 helicopter hours night hours aided or unaided
  • 230 pound weight limit with flight gear 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • AS350/H125 Aircraft Experience 
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher 

 

Why Choose REACH?As a leader in helicopter air ambulanceservices,REACHis one ofGlobal Medical Response’s(GMR)family ofsolutions. OurGMRteams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world atwww.AtaMomentsNotice.com. 

GMR’s Core Behaviors—keep care at the center, raise your hand,seekto understand, find a way together and be accountable—uniteour teamsand set us apart in emergency medical services. 


EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Competitive starting salaries from $106,511 – $117,162; 20% geo modifier included, not additional.  

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

R0055653Qualifications:

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Global Medical Response employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. With more than 38,000 employees, Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018

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