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Contract Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Must meet 29 Palms contract requirement** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our ...

North Memorial Health

Pilot EX - Brainerd

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$46.76 - $70.14/hr

... ATP Preferred. • Helicopter Instrument Rating • Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

Caeus

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Preferred Skills * Associate of Science degree. * Graduate of DoD helicopter instructor pilot course. * Total ...

CAE, Inc.

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Preferred Skills * Associate of Science degree. * Graduate of DoD helicopter instructor pilot course. * Total ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$95K - $118K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

STA Jets

Contract Citation XLS Group

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

STAJets is looking to build a book of typed and current CE-560XLS Contract Pilots. Should you meet the below requirements we would like to set up a phone interview. Requirements: * Typed with 12 ...

CAE, Inc.

Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

FAA FAA-certified commercial pilot, Helicopter with an Instrument helicopter rating. * FAA ... S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Work ...

Caeus

Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

FAAFAA-certified commercialpilot, Helicopter with an Instrument helicopter rating. * FAA ... S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Work ...

State of Maryland

MSP PILOT II

Saint Marys, MD · On-site

$112K - $157K/yr

Two thousand helicopter or fixed wing flight hours as a FAA certificated pilot. Notes: 1. Twelve ... contract. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS 1. Employees in this classification must ...

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Contract Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do contract helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 types of assignments and work environments can a Contract Helicopter Pilot expect?

Contract Helicopter Pilots often work on a variety of assignments, including but not limited to aerial surveying, transport, emergency medical flights, firefighting support, and utility work in remote locations. Work environments range from urban helipads and hospitals to offshore platforms and mountainous terrain, often requiring flexibility and readiness to travel or relocate for short-term projects. Pilots may operate independently or as part of a specialized team, coordinating with ground crews, dispatchers, or mission specialists. Assignments can vary in duration and may involve irregular hours, depending on client needs and project requirements. This diversity offers unique professional development opportunities but also requires resilience and strong time management skills.

What is a Contract Helicopter Pilot job?

A Contract Helicopter Pilot is a freelance or temporary pilot hired to operate helicopters for various missions, including aerial tours, firefighting, emergency medical services, offshore transportation, and utility work. Unlike full-time pilots, contract pilots work on a per-job or short-term basis, often moving between different employers or locations as needed. This role offers flexibility but requires pilots to manage their own licensing, training, and often their own equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Helicopter Pilot position, and why are they important?

Contract Helicopter Pilots must possess advanced piloting skills, a commercial helicopter license, substantial flying hours, and a clean safety record. Operational proficiency with avionics, GPS navigation, and communication systems, as well as certification for specific aircraft types, is typically required. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for success in this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient operation in diverse environments and build trust with employers and clients relying on timely aerial services.

More about Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Helicopter Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilot

Air Methods

Twentynine Palms, CA • On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Air Methods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Mercy Air
EC145 (VFR)
Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA
+ $25,000 Stipend
+ Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000
Off-Duty Housing Available
$40,000 Sign On Bonus
14/14 Schedule
**Must meet 29 Palms contract requirement**
AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE!
As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance. Our #1 objective is to ensure safety to/from every time, so come join our growing and high-performing culture, sparked by teammates who deliver on being the best!
Location
Twentynine Palms sits at the gateway to the stunning Joshua Tree National Park, where dramatic desert landscapes, iconic Joshua trees, and brilliant star-filled skies attract visitors from around the world. The city blends rugged natural beauty with a unique military and arts culture, thanks in part to the nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, the largest Marine Corps training base in the country. With its peaceful desert atmosphere, vibrant murals, and access to incredible hiking and outdoor adventure, Twentynine Palms offers a distinctive mix of frontier spirit, creativity, and wide-open desert charm.
Benefits
Air Methods is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package created with the diverse needs of our teammates in mind:
  • Health, Dental and Vision
  • Competitive 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account Benefit Plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Full Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Voluntary Legal
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service Programs

Job Summary
Responsible to ensure aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
  • Operates Air Methods aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
  • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in an airworthy condition by sign off of Daily Flight Log. Pilots will perform a complete walk around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
  • Final authority with regard to operations of aircraft and for the safety of passengers, cargo and equipment.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with all aircraft and medical systems of backup aircraft utilized at operational area and also ensures that the medical flight team is familiar and comfortable with the medical interior and systems.
  • Responsible for completion of required documentation.
  • Able to conduct detailed flight planning with little notice to exacting standards.
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods meetings, activities, projects, committees and community outreach.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements
  • Regular scheduled attendance (14/14 schedule - 12 hour shifts)

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method's policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods' employment practices and policies.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Pay Scale
Based on flight and EMS experience.
  • STEP A: $82,900
  • STEP B: $86,216
  • STEP C: $89,665
  • STEP D: $93,251

Education & Experience
  • Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and two to five years' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Bachelor's degree preferred

Operation and Safety Requirements:
  • As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

Skills
  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public and strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment
  • Pilots must have flown in category within the previous 24 months

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program:
  • 2000 total flight hours with a minimum of 1500 flight hours in category.
  • 1000 hours PIC in category.
  • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine.
  • 200 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours at night.
  • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time).
  • 50 hours total actual or hood instrument time in flight and in category (for a RW candidate who is FW rated, 100 hours or greater of FW actual or hood Instrument time can reduce the RW required instrument time to 25 hours).

Twentynine Palms Contract:
  • 250 PIC hours in an EC-145/BK-117/H-145
  • Maintain 100 PIC hours per year

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Instrument rating (for category and class of aircraft)(ATP rating in category meets this requirement)
  • Fixed wing multiengine rating is required for twin-engine aircraft
  • Commercial single-engine land is required for single-engine aircraft
  • First OR Second Class FAA Medical certificate required.

Internal Bidding Ends: 3/26/2026
Minimum pay
USD $82,900.00/Yr.
Maximum Pay
USD $93,251.00/Yr.
Benefits
For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
This position will be open and posted until filled, with a minimum posting period of three days.

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980

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