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Contract Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

The Position Hillsboro Aviation's contract & charter division provides services to the United ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

The Position Hillsboro Aviation is seeking experienced candidates for Utility/Powerline contracts ... Pilot will have a rotational schedule of 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Qualifications/Licenses * FAA ...

MD500 Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$90 - $140/hr

The PositionHillsboro Aviation is seeking experienced candidates for Utility/Powerline contracts ... pull). โ€ข Pilot will have a rotational schedule of 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.Qualifications ...

Lead Network Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110 - $160/hr

TBD Contract Length: 8-week initial pilot Location: On-site - Pacific Northwest * 1 opening: Providence St. Vincent - Portland, OR * 1 opening: Providence Mount St. Vincent / Mill Creek - Seattle ...

Lead Network Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110 - $150/hr

TBD Contract Length: 8-week initial pilot Location: On-site - Pacific Northwest * 1 opening: Providence St. Vincent - Portland, OR * 1 opening: Providence Mount St. Vincent / Mill Creek - Seattle ...

New

Lead Network Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$107K - $148K/yr

TBD Contract Length: 8-week initial pilot Location: On-site - Pacific Northwest * 1 opening: Providence St. Vincent - Portland, OR * 1 opening: Providence Mount St. Vincent / Mill Creek - Seattle ...

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$138.4K

$212.5K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Oregon is $138,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $163,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract pilot?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

What does a contract pilot do?

A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation

Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon?

For Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Contract Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,416 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR โ€ข On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract.

Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.