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Entry Level Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collier Mosquito Control District

Pilot I

Naples, FL

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 ...

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Entry Level Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

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

As of Jun 8, 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.

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.

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.

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.

More about Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Helicopter Pilot job openings:
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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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

ENTRY LEVEL Helicopter Pilot - Salem, VA

TEL Staffing and HR

Roanoke, VA

$87K - $108K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

TEL Staffing is hiring ENTRY LEVEL Helicopter Pilots for an employee-owned company, based out of Salem, VA, This company performs both spray and utility operation and conducts a variety of operations ranging from forestry spraying to Firefighting/Charters. Our aircraft consist of the Bell 205, 206B/L, 407 and Hiller UH-12ET (Soloy)
We are looking for Pilots who are WILLING to come to work in Salem, full time year round, start in ground positions such as CDL Truck Driver / Loader and work into a Flying position
Required Skills and Experience:
  • Agricultural Background
  • Truck Driver - CDL Preferred or ability to get CDL prior to start date
  • Mountain flight time 5,000 or higher
  • Flight experience that would require multiple off airport/unimproved landing sites, such as Ag, HEMS, Fire.
  • Powerline inspections
  • Powerline construction
  • Longline experience
  • Experience in aerial application experience

Some listed items are negotiable and can be discussed, with the right skillset and experience.

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