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Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Chehalis, WA · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

This helicopter pilot position is based out of Chehalis, Washington providing VFR helicopter ... Experience with longline firefighting in mountainous terrain * 1,000 hours helicopter agricultural ...

This helicopter pilot position is based out of Chehalis, Washington providing VFR helicopter ... Experience with longline firefighting in mountainous terrain * 1,000 hours helicopter agricultural ...

This helicopter pilot position is based out of Chehalis, Washington providing VFR helicopter ... Experience with longline firefighting in mountainous terrain * 1,000 hours helicopter agricultural ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ...

IFR Pilot

London, KY · On-site

$100K/yr

This opportunity is ideal for experienced helicopter pilots who thrive in high-pressure ... Rotorcraft Operations - Helicopter EMS, utility, offshore, firefighting, and government aviation.

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ...

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Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do entry level firefighter helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter helicopter pilot in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level firefighter helicopter pilot?

Entry level firefighter helicopter pilots are professionals who operate helicopters to assist in wildfire suppression and other emergency response operations. They are responsible for flying aircraft to transport firefighters, drop water or fire retardant on wildfires, and conduct aerial reconnaissance. These pilots are typically at the beginning of their careers in aerial firefighting and work under the supervision of more experienced pilots. They must have a commercial pilot's license, specialized training in helicopter operations, and knowledge of firefighting procedures. Their role is critical in supporting ground crews and protecting lives and property during fire emergencies.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, a solid understanding of aviation safety, and basic firefighting knowledge. Familiarity with GPS navigation, firefighting communication systems, and specialized aerial firefighting equipment is typically required. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills make candidates stand out in this high-risk environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated aerial firefighting operations that protect lives and property.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level firefighter helicopter pilots during their first year on the job?

As an entry level firefighter helicopter pilot, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing emergency scenarios, effectively communicating with ground and air crews, and mastering specialized aerial firefighting maneuvers. Balancing the demands of flying in difficult conditions—like low visibility or high winds—while executing precise water drops can be particularly demanding. New pilots also need to quickly become familiar with the protocols and teamwork required for coordinated wildfire response, which often involves long hours and irregular schedules.

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot vs Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot

Since the comparison is with itself, the roles are identical at the entry level, focusing on firefighting operations from helicopters, requiring pilot certifications and firefighting training. Both involve working in emergency environments, often for fire departments or agencies, with similar certifications and work settings. Entry level positions typically require a helicopter pilot license, basic firefighting training, and experience in emergency response. The roles are designed for individuals starting their careers in aerial firefighting, emphasizing safety, navigation, and emergency procedures.

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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

Weyerhauser Co

Chehalis, WA • On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

This helicopter pilot position is based out of Chehalis, Washington providing VFR helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from Chehalis, travel expenses provided. Most operations are conducted locally. Schedule is balanced to meet customer demand and personal needs. We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work/life balance in mind, to allow for vacation and needed personal time off.
Primary utility job functions are forestry fertilization, application of herbicides, and firefighting conducting water drops. Occasional ferry and reconnaissance flights are also conducted.
Type of aircraft: Bell 212 and Bell 206L-4.
About Timberlands
We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.
For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.
Qualifications
Requirements :
  • Commercial pilots license
  • Rotorcraft-helicopter rating
  • Second class medical certificate
  • Minimum of 1,000 hours of flight time PIC Rotorcraft
  • Ability to operate under all FAR Part 133/137 requirements with the ability to function well in a team environment in both flying and non-flying jobs
  • Applicant must also provide copies of medical and airman certificates
  • Flight experience conducting spraying as well as granular fertilizer application with under slung spreaders
  • Experience with longline firefighting in mountainous terrain
  • 1,000 hours helicopter agricultural application
Desired Requirements:
  • 4,000 hours of flight time PIC Rotorcraft
  • Agricultural Mountain Application experience
  • Flight experience in Bell helicopters
  • Experience with Agnav guidance systems for aerial application work
  • Computer skills, database experience, people management and customer relations will further strengthen the candidate's position
Attention Internal Applicants: To ensure transparency across the organization, please have a discussion with your manager prior to applying for any new opportunities. If you need any help facilitating this conversation, please reach out to your HR Representative for guidance. For more information on how to apply, including best practices for updating your profile or partnering with HR and Recruiting, please visit our internal applicant page on Roots: wy.com/applicants
About Weyerhaeuser
We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.
We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.
Find out more about Weyerhaeuser at www.weyerhaeuser.com and learn our Story here: https://youtu.be/c2R_lQ7wo0A
What We Offer...
Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range of $108,521 - $162,782 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.
Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance. We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution. Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career.
Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our annual contribution equal to 5% of your base salary.
Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours
Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values, and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team