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Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Group Overview Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea ... the tanker fleet. AIRMOB oversees fleet management, maintenance, and airworthiness, working to ...

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Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level air tanker 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 Tanker Pilot vs Entry Level Firefighting Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Air Tanker PilotEntry Level Firefighting Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Type Ratings for Tanker AircraftCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Firefighting Aircraft Certifications
Work EnvironmentOperating large aircraft for aerial firefighting, often in remote areasFlying specialized firefighting aircraft in wildfire zones
Employer & IndustryFirefighting agencies, private contractors, government agenciesFire departments, government agencies, private firefighting companies

Both roles involve flying aircraft for wildfire suppression, requiring similar certifications and working in remote, high-pressure environments. The main difference lies in the specific aircraft used and the agencies employing them. Entry Level Air Tanker Pilots focus on large tanker aircraft, while Entry Level Firefighting Pilots may operate smaller or specialized firefighting planes.

What are entry level air tanker pilots?

Entry level air tanker pilots are professional pilots who operate specialized aircraft designed to drop water or fire retardant over wildfires. These pilots are typically at the beginning of their careers in aerial firefighting and work under the supervision of experienced captains. Their responsibilities include flying missions to suppress or contain fires, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining communication with ground and air crews. Entry level air tanker pilots usually start as copilots and gain experience before advancing to more senior positions. The job requires a commercial pilot's license, specific flight hours, and specialized training in firefighting operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong flight skills, and a solid understanding of aviation safety and regulations. Familiarity with specialized aircraft, GPS navigation systems, and fire suppression equipment is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills set standout pilots apart in high-pressure environments. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient aerial firefighting operations and protect both crew and ground personnel.

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

Entry level air tanker pilots often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing conditions, flying in low visibility due to smoke, and coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft in congested airspace. It’s essential to quickly learn how to follow precise drop patterns and timing, often under stressful and time-sensitive circumstances. Building trust and communication skills with more experienced pilots and the fire management team is crucial for both safety and effectiveness.
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 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.
AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN TITLE 32 INDEFINITE with Security Clearance

AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN TITLE 32 INDEFINITE with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Newington, NH • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Duties The purpose of this position is to perform in-flight refueling aircrew functions and activities according to flight manuals, checklists, and Unites States Air Force publications. Major Duties: Performs in-flight refueling aircrew duties. Checks forms for equipment status. Performs visual and operational check of air refueling and associated systems and equipment. Performs preflight, through-flight, and post-flight inspections. Accomplishes preflight and post-flight records and reports. Performs in-flight operational check of air refueling systems. Directs receiver aircraft into air refueling position. Operates in-flight air refueling controls and switches to safely affect contact between tanker and receiver aircraft. Monitors control panel for proper operation of equipment during air refueling, and advises receiver pilot of actions required to safely maintain position within the air-refueling envelope. Keeps tanker pilot informed as to progress of air refueling operations. Performs emergency operations and procedures as required for emergency off-load and on-load of fuel. Computes and completes aircraft weight and balance documentation. Visually monitors aircraft clearances (interior and exterior), identifies proximal threats to the aircraft and initiates corrective actions (aircraft scanning). Receives cargo/passenger load briefing and reviews load plan and cargo documentation. Accomplishes load planning of cargo/passenger loads if required. Supervises cargo/passenger loading and off-loading operations. Directs the placement of material handling equipment to accomplish cargo on/off loading operations. Ensures cargo/passengers are placed according to load plans. Determines cargo restraint requirements according to criteria and directs and checks the application of cargo restraint equipment. Checks cargo/passenger loads against manifests. Ensures availability of fleet service equipment and receives and stows in-flight meals. Accomplishes passenger briefings to include the use of emergency equipment, evacuation procedures, and border clearance requirements. Demonstrates the use of passenger emergency oxygen systems and life vests. Supervises passengers in-flight. Requirements 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 trial period. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Qualifications Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an Title 32 INDEFINITE excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Military Grades: E2 to E8 Selectee(s) must be within the military grade(s) listed in this job announcement prior to the effective date of placement into the technician position. Applicant(s) who are over grade must clearly state, in their resumes, their intentions to willingly take a reduction in grade. Compatible Military Assignments: 1A1X2G GENERAL EXPERIENCE : AERIAL REFUELING TECHNICIAN - Experience which has provided a general knowledge of aircraft fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems and components. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : Specialized experience requirements are to be determined locally, depending on the necessary requirements for your current airframe and the required certificates as specified by the appropriate Air and Army Regulation. Specific MOS/AFSC's may be included when essential for successful performance of the position. Education Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience: None Additional information 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 ( ).