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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

$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 ...

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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 17, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 experience. These pilots often require specialized training and certifications, such as a commercial pilot license and firefighting experience, which can influence starting salaries.

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 state forestry departments, which operate aircraft for wildfire suppression and other aerial firefighting missions. These positions often require a commercial pilot license, relevant flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting techniques. Opportunities may also exist with private contractors and firefighting organizations that hire pilots for seasonal or contract work.
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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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR TITLE 32 INDEFINITE

Army National Guard Units

Concord, NH • On-site, Remote

$142K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th 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 HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR, Position Description Number D2460P1 and is part of the NH ARNG DCSAV, National Guard.
This vacancy is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
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Duties
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The position is responsible for providing instruction, evaluation and examination of rated pilots, instructor pilots, and aeroscout observers in flying techniques and methods of instruction, examination, and evaluation. Instruction involves basic and advanced techniques for flying aircraft using instruments. Incumbent is also responsible to the Facility Commander or Facility Supervisor for all aspects of aviation/ground safety matters.
Incumbent serves as a Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E), instructor pilot, or pilot in command on one or more of the following helicopters: Attack Helicopter (AH-64); Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when assigned Also performs one or more duties in a specific functional area of aircraft operations.
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.
  • 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 probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to participate in AFTP's to support NVG Progression.
  • RL1 D/N/NVG UH-60 A/L and or UH-60M Pilot in Command / Must attend Aviation Safety Officer Course within 12 Months / Must attend the UH-60 Instructor Pilot Course when available.

Qualifications
Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter PRIOR to applying for this position.
Military Grades: CW2 to CW4
Compatible Military Assignments: 15 - Aviation
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). 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 (GS-12).
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION: RL1 D/N/NVG UH-60 A/L and or UH-60M Pilot in Command / Must attend Aviation Safety Officer Course within 12 Months / Must attend the UH-60 Instructor Pilot Course when available.
Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities).
Education
Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions
Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Additional information
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." In addition, all job announcements now include a link to USAJOBS, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, which affirms that candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
This agency participates in the Fair Chance Act, Title 5 USC 9202 Limitations on requests for criminal history information. An employee of an agency may not request, in oral or written form (including through the Declaration for Federal Employment (Office of Personnel Management Optional Form 306) or any similar successor form, the USAJOBS internet website, or any other electronic means) that an applicant for an appointment to a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information regarding the applicant before the appointing authority extends a conditional offer to the applicant. Certain exceptions do apply to this Act.
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)).
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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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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US