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Entry Level Air Attack Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense ... Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ...

$131K - $171K/yr

... air; air-to- ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer ... Experienced in piloting manned or unmanned aircraft. Experiences may include the traditional "stick ...

The Air Operations Section provides professional aviation support for all department functions and ... The Section supplies the aerial water drops for initial attack on fires, troop movements, and the ...

Execute Contract Close Air Support Training (CCAS) while employing a thorough knowledge of Tactics ... Must be previously qualified as a DoD WSO in fighter/attack or bomber aircraft, DoD Pilot or Combat ...

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Entry Level Air Attack Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do entry level air attack pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level air attack pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Air Attack Pilot vs Entry Level Firefighter Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Air Attack PilotEntry Level Firefighter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific aircraft certificationsCommercial Pilot License, firefighting aircraft certifications
Work EnvironmentWildfire suppression, aerial firefighting missionsFirefighting aircraft operations, emergency response
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, firefighting servicesFire departments, emergency management agencies

Both roles involve piloting aircraft in emergency situations, requiring similar pilot certifications. The main difference lies in their focus: Entry Level Air Attack Pilots primarily support wildfire suppression, while Entry Level Firefighter Pilots are dedicated to firefighting operations. Both positions are vital in emergency response and share comparable work environments and industry usage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level air attack pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Air Attack Pilot, you typically need a commercial pilot license, strong aviation fundamentals, and familiarity with aerial firefighting procedures. Proficiency in using GPS navigation systems, communication radios, and aircraft-specific firefighting equipment is essential. Critical thinking, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this high-stakes role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, effective coordination during wildfire suppression missions and protecting both crew and ground personnel.

How much do entry level air attack pilots make?

Entry-level air attack pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and level of certification. These pilots often require specialized training in aerial firefighting and may receive additional compensation for seasonal or hazardous duty.

What is an entry level air attack pilot?

An Entry Level Air Attack Pilot is a pilot who operates aircraft specifically for coordinating and supporting aerial firefighting operations. They typically fly smaller, maneuverable planes to provide incident command, direct water or retardant drops, and communicate with ground crews during wildland fire suppression. While entry level, these pilots receive specialized training in fire behavior, aviation safety, and tactical coordination. The role is crucial for ensuring effective and safe firefighting efforts from the air. Candidates often start with a commercial pilot license and build experience before advancing to more complex missions.

What are common challenges faced by entry level air attack pilots during their first fire season?

Entry level air attack pilots often face challenges such as rapidly adapting to dynamic and hazardous wildfire environments, mastering complex communication protocols with ground crews and incident commanders, and managing high levels of stress and fatigue during peak fire activity. Additionally, new pilots must quickly build situational awareness and decision-making skills while flying in low-visibility, turbulent conditions. Supportive mentoring from experienced pilots and thorough pre-season training can help ease this transition and improve performance on the job.

What are the best entry level air attack pilot jobs?

Entry level air attack pilot jobs are typically available with government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, which employ pilots to combat wildfires using airtankers and helicopters. These positions often require a commercial pilot license, relevant flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Opportunities may also exist with private firefighting contractors and aerial firefighting companies seeking newly licensed pilots to gain experience in the field.
More about Entry Level Air Attack Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Attack Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Air Attack Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Air Attack Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Air Attack Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Air Attack Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Air Attack Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Air Attack Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

KBR, Inc.

Killeen, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
AH-64E Instructor Pilot
KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.
Job Summary
Ready to step into a role where your skills meet purpose and passion? At KBR, we're seeking a driven AH-64E Instructor Pilot to join our Aviation Flight Section at Fort Hood, Texas. Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through complex, joint, cross-domain, mixed MDS training against live OPFOR. As an AH-64E Instructor Pilot, you will assist the U.S. Government and its Foreign Military Sales client with the execution of the customer's flight training programs as well as the development of tactical scenarios in support of the client's national readiness objectives. You will also perform observer - controller duties and safety supervisor duties, on the ground and in the air. You'll play the game, coach the game, and ref the game, sometimes all at once! Your contributions will be instrumental in the training and development of our NATO partner's aircrew members and infantry. Join a team committed to excellence, where collaboration and innovation thrive. If you're excited to shape the next generation of attack pilots and influence how tomorrow's wars will be won, apply now and let's create something meaningful together! LIGHTS OFF, FIGHT's ON!
Roles and Responsibilities
• Conduct flight instruction and evaluations in AH-64E aircraft.
• Support individual and unit-level pilot training, RL progression, and gunnery.
• Assist in developing and aligning training materials with doctrinal standards.
• Provide simulator instruction, instrument training, and aerial gunnery support.
• Coordinate and support aviation exercises.
• Collaborate with FMS client's S3 and Standardization Section on training execution.
• Assist in technical writing of flight maneuver tasks and joint operations training.
• Provide support for cargo and attack helicopter missions.
Basic Qualifications
• Graduate of the U.S. Army AH-64 Instructor Pilot Course
• Graduate of the U.S. Army Instrument Flight Examiner Course
• Must have 2000 Mission Design Series (MDS) of which 500 hours must be in the series (AH-64E)
• Must have 500 flight hours as an Instructor Pilot in the AH-64
• Must have 500 Night Vision Device hours
• Must have a Secret Clearance or can obtain a Secret Clearance
• Must have an FAA Medical Certificate Second Class at hire and throughout the duration of the contract
• Must have an FAA Commercial Instrument Rotary Wing License
• Must be able to create reports using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be able to communicate succinctly with our customer and client
Preferred Qualifications / Currencies
• AH-64Ev6 qualified
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience in developing and executing joint tactical training scenarios
• Within 180 days of last NVS/NVG flight at time of on-boarding
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998