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Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot information

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level life flight helicopter pilot in Raleigh, NC is $97,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level life flight helicopter pilot?

Entry level life flight helicopter pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for operating helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities. These professionals work closely with medical teams to ensure safe and rapid air transport, often in emergency situations. Entry level pilots typically have just met the minimum flight hour and certification requirements, such as holding a commercial helicopter pilot license and possibly an instrument rating. They must demonstrate strong decision-making skills, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. Training and mentorship are commonly provided to help them gain experience in the unique challenges of life flight operations.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, strong flight proficiency, and thorough knowledge of aeronautical regulations and emergency procedures. Familiarity with aviation communication systems, GPS navigation, night vision equipment, and completion of specialized medical transport or air ambulance training are typically required. Excellent decision-making, stress management, and teamwork skills are vital for handling high-pressure, time-sensitive situations. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe patient transport, effective response during emergencies, and seamless coordination with medical and aviation teams.

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

Entry-level Life Flight helicopter pilots often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable schedules, flying in adverse weather conditions, and managing the stress of emergency medical situations. The role requires rapid decision-making, clear communication with medical teams, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Building confidence in night flying, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and handling the emotional impact of critical patient transports are also common hurdles. However, strong mentorship, ongoing training, and teamwork help new pilots overcome these challenges and grow in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot vs Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Life Flight Helicopter PilotEMS Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft add-on, medical clearanceCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft add-on, medical clearance
Work EnvironmentHelicopter emergency transport, often in challenging conditionsGround and air ambulance services, urban and rural areas
Employer & IndustryLife flight services, hospitals, emergency response agenciesEMS agencies, hospitals, private ambulance companies

Both roles require similar certifications and operate in emergency medical transport environments. The main difference is that Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilots focus specifically on helicopter emergency transports, often in more challenging conditions, while EMS Pilots may also operate fixed-wing aircraft or ground vehicles. Both positions serve vital roles in emergency medical services and require specialized training and certifications.

How do you become an entry level life flight helicopter pilot?

To become an entry-level life flight helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, which requires logging a minimum number of flight hours, passing written and practical exams, and obtaining specific certifications such as an FAA first-class medical certificate. Prior experience in emergency or medical transport flying, strong communication skills, and familiarity with helicopter systems are also important for this specialized role.

How much do entry level life flight helicopter pilots make?

Entry-level life flight helicopter pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower, but with additional certifications and experience, pay can increase significantly in this specialized field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Life Flight Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Respiratory Therapist II - Critical Care Transport

UNC Health

Chapel Hill, NC

$31.04 - $44.62/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 25 days ago


UNC Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

Position qualifies for our inpatient Respiratory Care Incentive Program:

This position qualifies for a $10,000 commitment incentive bonus for a two (2) year commitment or a $15,000 commitment incentive bonus for a three (3) year commitment, relocation assistance (relocation amounts based on location distance), and participation in our employee referral program ($3,000 referral bonus to employees who refer other Respiratory Therapists).

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 diverse employees, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Respiratory Therapist for the Pediatric Ground and Flight Transport Team opportunity!

"Carolina Air Care is a CAMTS accredited critical care and emergency transportation agency serving North Carolina and surrounding areas since 1986. Our assets are comprised of four helicopters as well as a fleet of ambulances dispatched by our communications center "Flightwatch" all operating 24 hours a day.

Helicopter bases are located in Burlington, Aberdeen, Goldsboro, and Rocky Mount. Rotor wing aircraft are staffed with one nurse and one paramedic. They respond to both emergency scene requests as well as interfacility transfers of critically ill patients Our ground assets are located throughout the Triangle.

In addition to the Critical Care Transport teams for the majority of our missions, we also have two dedicated Neonatal Specialty Care Teams, which care for our smallest patients.

Along with our Medical Directors, the Education Team ensures that the high standards of Carolina Air Care are maintained through continuing education, evidence-based medicine, equipment training, high fidelity simulations, research studies, and new hire assessments."

Summary:
Under the direction of department management and according to policies and procedures as defined in the Department Policy and Procedure Manuals, the Respiratory Therapist, Senior demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge in respiratory care and assigned patient care areas. The Respiratory Therapist II administers competent care of patients through airway management, mechanical ventilator management, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, respiratory care procedures and treatments designed to assess, prevent, stabilize or remedy patients respiratory dysfunction.

Responsibilities:
1. Administers standard Respiratory Care including but not limited to, aerosol medication delivery, basic bedside pulmonary function testing, breathing exercises, oxygen therapy, (Not included in Per Diem Job) and arterial punctures. Provides for all aspects of airway management including aspiration of established airways, tracheostomy care, tracheostomy tube changes, endotracheal intubations and extubations.
2. Carolina Air Care - When working with Carolina AIr Care may Transport pediatric and neonatal patients from referral hospitals per UNC Air Care Protocol. May perform respiratory care and advanced practice procedures per UNC Air Care Protocol. These procedures include UAC, UVC, IV insertion, intraosseous insertion, Chest Tube insertion, Needle Decompression, ABG's, Blood Glucose monitoring, Intubations and others as deemed necessary by the medical control officer.
3. MayPerform all aspects of ventilator care to include, but not limited to setting up the ventilator and verifying function using specialized ventilator modes to manage the patients disease process. Provide for an appropriate monitoring of these patients and provide appropriate weaning techniques.
4. Maintains and improves job knowledge and skills. Functions independently with minimal supervision. Serves as resource to other staff reflective of experience level.

Prior to Hire - Must have American Heart Association, ACLS, PALS and NRP certifications. Three (3) years RT NICU and or PICU experience preferred.

Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. Must be registered (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Note: Current teammates with active Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification by the NBRC and a minimum of 15 years of experience as a CRT and are ineligible for the RRT board exam with demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of respiratory care also qualify for this role. Dependent upon population served and regardless of if RRT or CRT, all teammates must have at least one of the following depending upon practice area: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Adult Care , Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - NICU, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - PICU/Rex, Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), or advanced practice certificate to administer moderate sedation in Bronchoscopy Lab. All certifications must be maintained as required by the certifying body.
Professional Experience Requirements:
Two (2) years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret clinical information and technical procedures. Ability to document clinical information. Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions from patients, physicians, family members, and other staff. Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical situations.


Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: RDU Ground

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 36.00

Salary Range:$31.04 - $44.62 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Variable

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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