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Entry Level Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collier Mosquito Control District

Pilot I

Naples, FL · On-site

$73K - $127K/yr

The salary shown in the represents the full range for this position, from entry-level to later ... The ideal candidate is an FAA Commercial Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Airplane Multi-Engine ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

... Pilot, Helicopter Observer Duty, (Field Training Officer (FTO), Gang Detail, and Special ... O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) * By submitting a T-score for a ...

City of Pasadena

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA

$88K/yr

... Pilot, Helicopter Observer Duty, (Field Training Officer (FTO), Gang Detail, and Special ... OR P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) By submitting a T-score for a ...

All JobsHelicopter Pilot JobsEntry Level Helicopter Pilot Jobs

Entry Level Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a high demand for helicopter pilots?

The demand for helicopter pilots, including entry-level positions, is generally steady due to ongoing needs in sectors such as emergency medical services, tourism, and aerial surveying. Job growth may vary by region and industry, and obtaining relevant certifications and experience can improve employment prospects.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL-H), strong flight fundamentals, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and cockpit avionics is typically required, while additional certifications such as instrument ratings are advantageous. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help pilots respond to changing conditions and work effectively with crew and ground personnel. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient flight operations and to build a solid foundation for career advancement in aviation.

How to start a career as a helicopter pilot?

To start a career as an entry-level helicopter pilot, you need to obtain a private pilot license (PPL) with helicopter ratings, accumulate flight hours through training and practice, and then pursue an commercial pilot license (CPL) to qualify for paid positions. Gaining experience in various flight conditions and maintaining good health with a medical certificate are also essential steps in building a career in helicopter piloting.

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

Entry level helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to varied flying conditions, learning to manage complex aircraft systems, and building confidence in decision-making under pressure. Many new pilots also need to gain experience with navigation in unfamiliar environments and develop effective communication skills with air traffic control and ground crews. Additionally, adjusting to irregular schedules and long hours, especially in roles like aerial tours or utility work, can be demanding but is an important part of gaining industry experience.

How hard is it to get a helicopter pilot job?

Securing an entry-level helicopter pilot position can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry and the requirement for relevant certifications, such as a commercial pilot license and specific flight hours. Gaining experience through training, networking, and demonstrating strong skills can improve job prospects, but many employers prefer candidates with some flight experience and safety records.

What are entry level helicopter pilots?

Entry level helicopter pilots are individuals who have recently earned their helicopter pilot license and are starting their professional flying careers. They typically perform introductory roles such as flight instruction, aerial tours, agricultural work, or assisting in utility operations. These positions provide valuable flight hours and experience needed to qualify for more advanced pilot jobs. Entry level helicopter pilots must hold at least a commercial helicopter pilot certificate and meet specific training and medical requirements.

What Does an Entry-Level Helicopter Pilot Do?

The job duties of an entry-level helicopter pilot are to fly a helicopter under the supervision of a more seasoned pilot. In this career, you assist the pilot with aircraft operations. Entry-level pilots can work in transportation, agriculture, oil and gas pipeline or utility inspection, or tourism. Regardless of your job responsibilities, you need to ensure the operational safety of the helicopter, plan a flight path, and observe all aviation regulations during your flights. If you lead helicopter tours, you are also responsible for ensuring the comfort of passengers. An entry-level pilot may support a lead pilot during their first years in this career.

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

AspectEntry Level Helicopter PilotCommercial Helicopter Pilot
CertificationsPrivate Pilot License (PPL) with helicopter rating, possibly a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for advanced rolesMust hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with helicopter rating
Work EnvironmentTraining flights, small charter operations, aerial photography, or sightseeingMore diverse roles including charter services, aerial tours, and utility work
Experience0-150 flight hours, entry-levelTypically 150+ flight hours, some experience required

In summary, an Entry Level Helicopter Pilot is just starting their career with basic certifications and limited flight hours, often working in training or small operations. A Commercial Helicopter Pilot has more experience, holds a CPL, and can perform a wider range of professional flying jobs.

How much do entry-level helicopter pilots make?

Entry-level helicopter pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and certifications. Starting salaries are often lower, but can increase with experience, additional ratings, and specialized skills such as night flying or instrument training.
More about Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs
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What states have the most Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
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Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
HELICOPTER PILOT (MERIT, T32)

HELICOPTER PILOT (MERIT, T32)

US Department of the Army

Saint Paul, MN

$116K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

THIS IS A MERIT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
UNIT: AASF #1
LOCATION: Saint Paul, Minnesota
SELECTING OFFICIAL: LTC Jed A. Gadient, (651)281-3402
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED

Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
MILITARY GRADES: WO1-CW3
Failure to obtain a compatible MOS may result in termination of employment.
GENERAL AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
GS-10 through GS-13 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.
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).
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 - Is experience that prepares the applicant to perform the Dual Status technician duties and responsibilities. To qualify, an applicant's educational-degree study program, military professional and technical training schools or academies, and aviation certifications may apply as substitutions for some specialized experience factors.
GS-10 through GS-11 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions:
Applicants must demonstrate the specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry-level appointments to GS-2181-10 or GS-2181-11 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, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facility; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group. To qualify, the applicant must have competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Must have competence to review and analyze mission tasks, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in supervising and/or filing of flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experiences include 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, surveillance, and/or reconnaissance. Skilled to conduct training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experiences may include developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experienced 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.
GS-12 through GS-13 Army National Guard Warrant Officer Positions Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-12 or 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.
Please request the full Specialized experience requirements.Education:EDUCATION: 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. 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.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.Employment Type: OTHER
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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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