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Civilian Helicopter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the ...

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Civilian Helicopter information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do civilian helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian helicopter in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the civilian helicopter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Helicopter Pilot, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, spatial awareness, quick decision-making skills, and a commercial pilot license with relevant flight hours. Proficiency in navigation systems, aviation weather services, and radio communications is also required, along with FAA certifications such as a Commercial Rotorcraft License and often an Instrument Rating. Excellent situational awareness, stress management, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring flight safety, smooth operations, and coordinating effectively with ground and air teams under varying conditions.

How to become a civilian helicopter pilot?

To become a civilian helicopter pilot, you must obtain a private pilot license (PPL) for helicopters by completing flight training, accumulating a minimum of 40 flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications like an instrument or commercial license can expand career opportunities, and maintaining good health with a medical certificate is required throughout your career.

What is a civilian helicopter?

A Civilian Helicopter job typically involves piloting or maintaining helicopters for non-military purposes, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, tourism, news reporting, or corporate transportation. Pilots must obtain the necessary certifications, including a commercial helicopter license, while maintenance personnel require specific technical training. These roles demand strong situational awareness, flight or mechanical expertise, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are the typical work schedules and environments for civilian helicopter pilots?

Civilian helicopter pilots can work in a variety of settings, including emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, sightseeing tours, utility work, or news broadcasting. Schedules may include rotating shifts, weekends, and nights depending on the employer and nature of assignments—EMS and news pilots, for example, often work irregular hours to respond to urgent needs. Pilots may operate solo or as part of a team, collaborating closely with dispatchers, ground crews, and other aviation professionals. The role involves adapting to changing weather, diverse locations, and sometimes demanding conditions, but it also offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment.

Can a civilian learn to fly a helicopter?

Yes, civilians can learn to fly a helicopter by obtaining a private pilot license for rotorcraft from the appropriate aviation authority, which requires completing flight training, passing written and practical exams, and meeting medical standards. Training involves learning aircraft controls, navigation, and safety procedures, often in flight schools or with certified flight instructors.
More about Civilian Helicopter jobs
What cities are hiring for Civilian Helicopter jobs? Cities with the most Civilian Helicopter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Helicopter jobs? The most popular types of Civilian Helicopter jobs are:
What states have the most Civilian Helicopter jobs? States with the most job openings for Civilian Helicopter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Civilian Helicopter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Arlington, VA • On-site

$76K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.

Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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