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Entry Level Air Attack Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

F15QA SIMULATOR/ACADEMIC INSTRUCTOR

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Simulator/Academic Instructors play a crucial role in preparing Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots for ... other fighter/attack aircraft) * Minimum two (2) yeas experience as an instructor providing ...

... pilot and passenger. This is not a civilian contractor position. No experience necessary ... Position is entry level. REQUIREMENTS: * A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green ...

Customer Service Representative

El Paso, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

... customers and pilots * Record customer preferences in Million Air CSI system * Proactive ... High School Diploma or equivalent * Entry level position * Ability to work evenings weekends, and ...

Customer Service Representative

El Paso, TX

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

... customers and pilots * Record customer preferences in Million Air CSI system * Proactive ... High School Diploma or equivalent * Entry level position * Ability to work evenings weekends, and ...

Customer Service Representative

Medford, OR · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Invoicing for services rendered to customers and pilots. Record customer preferences in Million Air ... Must be 18 or older w/High School Diploma or equivalent. Entry level position. Ability to work ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Air Attack Pilot information

See salary details

$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.

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Air National Guard Units

Horsham, PA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, Position Description Number D2044P01 and is part of the Pennsylvania National Guard, National Guard.
1 or more Position(s) may be hired against this Announcement.
INDEFINITE
Position may lead to permanent assignment without further advertisement.
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Duties
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As a AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR, GS-2181-13, you will administer combat flight training to military aircrews. Assess instructors, CMR and BMC pilots, CMR and BMC Sensor Operators (SOs), and Mission Coordinators (MCs) both assigned and attached to the unit. Project unit training requirements and prepares required training records. Maintain a thorough knowledge of airplane systems and procedures under normal, instrument, and emergency conditions. CMR status as an RPA pilot. Serve as the Air Operations Officer's (AOO) representative when performing duties as: Operations Supervisor (OPSUP), Supervisor of Flying (SOF), or Mission Commander (MCC); and is responsible for the safe and efficient mission accomplishment through the use of Operational Risk Management (ORM). May perform work in any of the Air Operations program support functional areas. Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Qualifications
APPOINTMENT STATUS: EXCEPTED
This is a Dual Status Excepted Service Technician position in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
Non-Bargaining Position
AOC 1: NG Employees at the 111th ATKW
AOC 2: NG Employees in the 111th Attack Wing (This includes 270 EIS, 201 RHS Det 1, PA ANG HQ Det 2)
AOC 3: NG Employees of the Pennsylvania National Guard
AOC 4: All service members of the Pennsylvania National Guard (This includes Traditional Airmen, Temporary Technicians and AGR Personnel)
TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT: Currently employed permanent technician selected will occupy this position as a Promotion not to exceed or Reassignment as appropriate in their present status.
INDEFINITE: Indefinite employment status pertains to applicant nominated, who are not a currently employed permanent technician. Indefinite appointments may acquire permanent status depending upon future force structure requirements; indefinite appointments do not serve a trial period. Indefinite appointments may be separated when their services are no longer needed or when funding is no longer available via a 30-day termination notice.
Military Grades:
OFFICER O2 - O5
The supervisor for this position is Col Daniels.
Manpower #00779783
*NOTE: Accessioning into this position is contingent upon verification of Top Secret Security Clearance.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: An applicant must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Application must indicate at least two yearsworking experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facility; or, Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. Experienced in piloting and instructing pilot skills in one or more of the following main- frame/military aircraft: Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Air National Guard aviation program, the required competence for this grade includes the ability to train and instruct others in the piloting of a specified main-frame military aircraft. Experienced in planning and preparing for missions; and, must have at least two years experiences in piloting or instructing others in piloting specific air-frame/military aircraft. Experienced in various piloting administrative tasks performed in support of Air National Guard aviation programs. Experienced in aviation unit quality control management programs, Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of the Air Force, National Guard Bureau, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration directives.
QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.
SPECIAL NOTE: Per the Merit Promotion and Placement Plan (MPP) if there are more than 15 qualified applicants for each position, by category, a KSA board will be convened in accordance with Chapter 4 of the MPP.
PCS STATEMENT: PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION COSTS WILL NOT BE PAID FOR THIS POSITION
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a diverse team of professionals who strengthen our commonwealth by serving our veterans and partners while preparing military personnel to safeguard our way of life. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.
Applicants that are currently in an AGR status who wish to request to move their AGR resource to this position upon selection, must submit a "Request for AGR Resource Realignment" memo with their application. A template for the memo can be found at:https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/:w:/r/sites/NGPA-HRO/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B2CACE53F-3CEC-4838-973F-461645D1B3A1%7D&file=Template%20-%20Request%20for%20AGR%20Resource%20Realignment.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
Education
An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory. A Graduate Degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).
REPROMOTION CONSIDERATION (Applies to technician applicants only.)Technicians who have been demoted from this or a higher grade previously held in the same occupational series without personal cause and who are not in a grade retention status will be given consideration for re-promotion. Technicians who believe they are entitled to such consideration should forward a description of the circumstances with their application. Technicians eligible for re-promotion will be considered prior to using competitive promotion procedures, except when another technician has a statutory or regulatory right to be placed in or considered for the position.
In accordance with section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, annuitants reemployed in the Department of Defense shall receive full annuity and salary upon appointment. They shall not be eligible for retirement contributions, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, or a supplemental or redetermined annuity for the employment period. Discontinued service retirement annuitants (i.e., retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5 United States Code) appointed to the Department of Defense may elect to be subject to retirement provisions of the new appointment as appropriate. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.)
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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