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Commercial Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Oracle, AZ ยท On-site

$50K/yr

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate * Instrument Rating * First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in ...

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Commercial helicopter training * Individual aircraft training Certificates and Licenses: * FAA Commercial Helicopter, with instrument rating * FAA Class 2 Medical Equipment: * Flight helmet * Flight ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Marion, IN ยท On-site

$50K/yr

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate * Instrument Rating * First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in ...

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate * Instrument Rating (IFR) * First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours PIC ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate * Instrument Rating * First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Grants, NM ยท On-site

$50K/yr

This role places pilots at the forefront of emergency medical response, flying critical care ... Commercial Helicopter Rating * Instrument Helicopter Rating * First Class Medical Certificate

IFR Helicopter Pilot

Columbus, MS ยท On-site

$100K/yr

This role places pilots on the front lines of emergency medical response, flying critical care ... Commercial Helicopter Rating * Instrument Helicopter Rating * First Class Medical Certificate

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Livingston, TX ยท On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

STS Technical Services is hiring VFR Helicopter Pilots in Livingston, Texas. Position Summary STS ... Commercial Helicopter Rating required * Instrument Helicopter Rating required * First Class Medical ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

West Lafayette, IN ยท On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Commercial Helicopter License with Instrument Rating required * First Class Medical Certificate required * Minimum flight experience: * 2,000 total flight hours * 1,500 helicopter hours * 1,000 Pilot ...

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Commercial Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do commercial helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for commercial 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 commercial helicopter pilot?

A Commercial Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters for various professional purposes, such as transportation, aerial surveying, emergency medical services, search and rescue, or tourism. They must hold a commercial pilot license and adhere to safety regulations while ensuring smooth and efficient flight operations. Depending on their specialization, they may work for private companies, government agencies, or emergency response teams, often in dynamic and challenging environments.

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

To thrive as a Commercial Helicopter Pilot, you need strong flight skills, in-depth aeronautical knowledge, and a valid commercial helicopter pilot license (CPL-H). Mastery of navigation systems, GPS, radio communication equipment, and adherence to FAA regulations are essential for safe and effective operations. Excellent situational awareness, stress management, and clear communication with crew and passengers are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills are vital to ensure passenger safety, handle challenging flying conditions, and maintain professionalism on every flight.

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

Commercial helicopter pilots often work in diverse environments ranging from urban areas and offshore platforms to remote or mountainous locations, depending on the employer and mission. Schedules can be irregular, including early mornings, nights, weekends, or on-call shifts, especially in roles such as emergency medical services, firefighting, or search and rescue. Pilots may work independently or as part of a small team and often need to adapt to rapidly changing assignments and weather conditions. Collaboration with ground crews, air traffic controllers, and other pilots is essential to ensure safety and mission success. These dynamic work conditions provide variety but also demand flexibility and preparedness from pilots.

Is 40 too late to become a commercial helicopter pilot?

There is no age limit to becoming a commercial helicopter pilot, and many individuals start training later in life. Success depends on meeting certification requirements, passing medical exams, and gaining flight hours, regardless of age. Experience, dedication, and physical fitness are important factors in pursuing this career at any age.

Is there any demand for commercial helicopter pilots?

There is steady demand for commercial helicopter pilots in industries such as emergency medical services, tourism, aerial photography, and construction. Job opportunities often require certifications like a commercial pilot license and experience with specific aircraft or environments, and demand can vary based on regional economic activity and industry growth.

What disqualifies you from being a commercial helicopter pilot?

Disqualifications for a commercial helicopter pilot include failing to meet minimum age and medical certification requirements, having a criminal record that affects safety clearance, or possessing a history of substance abuse. Additionally, inability to pass required flight tests or lacking the necessary flight hours and certifications can prevent qualification for the role.
More about Commercial Helicopter Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Commercial Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Commercial Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Commercial Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Commercial Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Commercial Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

VFR Helicopter Pilot Air Medical Transport

Greenville, KY โ€ข On-site

Total Aviation Staffing, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$76K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Total Aviation Staffing is hiring an experienced IFR Helicopter Pilot for our client, a leading air medical transport provider supporting life-saving missions across the country.

This position is based in Greenville, Kentucky and is ideal for a skilled helicopter pilot with strong instrument, NVG, and air medical experience. In this role, you will serve as Captain in EC135 SPIFR/NVG helicopter air ambulance operations, supporting critical patient transport missions in a 24-hour day/night environment.

If you are a safety-focused pilot with strong IFR decision-making, turbine helicopter experience, and the ability to perform under pressure, this is a high-impact opportunity to use your aviation skills in a mission-driven air medical role.

What You’ll Be Flying

This role supports EC135 SPIFR/NVG Helicopter Air Ambulance operations. An instrument rating is required, and pilots should be comfortable operating in a structured air medical environment with both day and night rotations.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is more than a standard helicopter pilot position. You will be part of an air medical team where your flight experience, judgment, and professionalism directly support emergency medical care and patient transport.

This opportunity offers:

  • Sign-on bonus up to $100,000
  • 7-on / 7-off schedule
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • Shift bonuses and incentives
  • Annual safety bonus
  • Annual employee bonus
  • Mission-driven flying in helicopter air ambulance operations
  • Opportunity to participate in community outreach programs
  • Work in a safety-focused aviation and medical transport environment
Key Responsibilities

As an IFR Helicopter Pilot, you will:

  • Serve as Captain for helicopter air ambulance operations.
  • Perform line pilot duties in accordance with company operating procedures.
  • Operate the EC135 safely and efficiently in SPIFR/NVG air medical missions.
  • Support 24-hour operations, including day and night rotations.
  • Work closely with medical crews, communications teams, maintenance personnel, and leadership.
  • Support the company’s Safety Management System and other safety initiatives.
  • Provide safe, efficient, courteous, and reliable service to internal and external customers.
  • Participate in community outreach programs as needed.
  • Assist with loading and unloading patients and equipment when required.
  • Maintain compliance with FAA, CAMTS, company, and customer requirements.
  • Demonstrate sound aeronautical decision-making, communication, and professionalism during all flight operations.
Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

  • Commercial Helicopter Rating
  • Instrument Helicopter Rating
  • First Class Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 2,000 total flight hours
  • Minimum 1,500 helicopter hours
  • Minimum 1,000 PIC helicopter hours
  • Minimum 500 turbine helicopter hours
  • Minimum 75 hours instrument time, including actual and hood
  • Minimum 100 hours unaided night operations
    or
    50 hours unaided night and 100 hours NVG
  • Ability to meet and maintain the company’s flight personnel weight restriction policy of 235 lbs. or less
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong internal and external customer service skills
  • Ability to successfully interview with customer and management teams
  • Ability to pass a pre-placement physical exam, drug screening, and background check
Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to assist with loading and unloading patients and equipment. Candidates must be able to pass a functional capacity exam, including a strength and flexibility assessment, with the ability to lift up to 100 lbs.

Schedule and Location Details
  • Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off
  • Location: Greenville, KY
  • Candidates must live within a 1-hour commute of the assigned base.
  • Schedule changes may be required based on base needs.
Additional Details

If an aircraft transition is required, a minimum one-year service requirement may apply. If relocation assistance is used, a minimum two-year service requirement may apply.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced IFR Helicopter Pilot, Air Medical Pilot, EMS Helicopter Pilot, EC135 Captain, or SPIFR/NVG Helicopter Pilot looking for a mission-driven aviation role, we encourage you to apply today.

Total Aviation Staffing connects qualified aviation professionals with career opportunities across commercial aviation, business aviation, MRO, aerospace manufacturing, defense, air medical operations, and aviation technology.


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About Total Aviation Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Total Aviation Staffing, located in San Antonio, Texas, United States, operates within the vibrant and dynamic aviation industry. As implied by its name, its core focus lies in providing comprehensive staffing solutions to companies in this sector, serving aviation companies throughout every step of their recruitment journeys. Total Aviation Staffing sustains a unique niche, contributing profoundly to the workings of airlines, airfreight, and aerospace entities by procuring and delivering highly skilled and competent professionals. The official website, totalaviationstaffing.com, provides in-depth details regarding the company's services, achievements, and work principles.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US