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Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins ... Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail ...

... tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins ... Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail ...

$29.03 - $33.85/hr

Perform maintenance on electrical, pneumatic, and high pressure air tanks subsystems and assemblies ... Interpret pilot deficiency reports for missile systems to independently establish repair procedures.

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Air Tanker Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Jul 15, 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.
Commercial Service Technician

Commercial Service Technician

Pilot Company

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Pilot Company rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 516 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 727 rated retailers


Job description

Company Description
Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.
Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Military encouraged to apply.
Job Description
Bring your technical talent to the Pilot team! This opportunity is not too good to be true; you'll receive an annual company performance-based bonus, enjoy weekends off, and have no on-call requirements. You'll be dispatched from home, work 45-50+ hours per week, and be paid port to port.
We provide a company service vehicle, tools, equipment, cell phone, and iPad (personal tools are also allowed). You will play an important part in keeping approximately 15 store locations running smoothly throughout the Murfreesboro, TN region.
Position Summary
The purpose of this role is to perform installations, preventive maintenance, and repairs on facility HVAC/R systems, food service equipment, plumbing, fuel dispensers, and electrical systems within various food and retail locations.
Responsibilities
  • Respond to service requests; troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair equipment in accordance with warranty requirements and industry standards
  • Communicate repair status with the service technician supervisor and store management
  • Complete same-day work order notes and submit them to your supervisor; ensure proper charge allocations
  • Monitor and maintain adequate stock levels
  • Maintain service vehicle, tools, and uniforms to company standards
  • Diagnose and repair fuel dispensers, replace fuel filters, and work on fuel security systems (training provided)
  • Inspect facility interiors and exteriors for safety and maintenance issues
  • Perform preventive maintenance on equipment, including but not limited to: rooftop HVAC units, split systems, ice machines, standalone refrigeration, fryers, and other food service equipment
  • Ensure all repairs and work activities comply with OSHA and Pilot Company regulations
  • Model company values and support exceptional guest and team member experiences
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures, and safety standards established by Pilot Company

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Valid state driver's license and positive driving record required
  • Minimum 3 years of recent commercial HVAC service experience required; EPA Universal 608 certification required
  • Minimum 3 years of recent experience repairing commercial cooking or refrigeration equipment required
  • Basic knowledge and ability to repair commercial plumbing and electrical systems
  • Basic understanding of OSHA guidelines (OSHA 10 training provided)
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Intermediate mathematical ability
  • Ability to read and interpret site drawings
  • Strong attention to detail and customer service skills
  • Ability to work in congested areas during business hours
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments
  • Travel requirements less than 10%

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to climb ladders
  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs
  • Work in inclement weather
  • Ability to bend, stoop, twist, crawl, and kneel
  • Participate in company-sponsored training, including safety training

Additional Information
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition assistance
  • Adoption assistance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Fuel discount
  • Company-provided uniforms, including boots, jackets, shirts, and pants
    • Boots reimbursed up to $150 annually
    • Pants reimbursed up to $200 annually
  • All required PPE provided

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      Job Industries
      • Management

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      About Pilot Company

      Sourced by ZipRecruiter

      Pilot Flying J is an American-based company situated in Knoxville, TN, USA. Founded in 1958, it falls under the travel-center industry, providing comprehensive services to professional drivers, recreational travelers, and road users. Pilot Flying J offers amenities such as refueling facilities, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, and trucking supplies services, positioning itself as a crucial part of America's interstate highway system.

      Industry

      Gasoline stations, petroleum and petroleum products wholesalers and retail

      Company size

      10,000+ Employees

      Headquarters location

      Knoxville, TN, US