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Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Pilot is the first level in a two level helicopter pilot series. Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions ...

Rural Metro Fire Department

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Colona, IL · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

On Duty Housing * 7/7 Schedule If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air ...

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Fire Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire 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 is a fire helicopter pilot?

Fire Helicopter Pilots are specialized aviators who operate helicopters to support firefighting operations. They transport crews, equipment, and water or fire retardant to wildfire locations, often flying in challenging conditions such as low visibility and rugged terrain. Their work is critical for rapid response to wildfires, helping to contain fires and protect lives and property. Fire Helicopter Pilots may work for government agencies, private contractors, or firefighting organizations, and require advanced flight training and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft category and class ratings, significant flight hours, and specialized wildfire or aerial firefighting training. Familiarity with GPS navigation, communication systems, firefighting equipment, and often certifications like the FAA Part 133 or 137 are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork skills set top pilots apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, effective aerial firefighting operations, and coordination during high-risk emergency situations.

What are some common challenges faced by fire helicopter pilots during wildfire operations?

Fire Helicopter Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather conditions, dense smoke, and unpredictable fire behavior, all of which can make flying hazardous. Pilots must also coordinate closely with ground crews and air traffic controllers to ensure effective water or retardant drops, sometimes in mountainous or remote terrain. Quick decision-making and strong communication skills are essential, as every mission can present unique obstacles and requires adapting to evolving circumstances to maintain safety and effectiveness.

How to become a firefighting helicopter pilot?

To become a firefighting helicopter pilot, you typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, which requires flight training, logging a minimum number of flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. Experience in aerial firefighting, knowledge of fire behavior, and certifications such as a specialized wildfire or emergency response training are also important. Additionally, pilots often work for firefighting agencies or private contractors during fire seasons.

What cities are hiring for Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

For Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Placerville, CA • On-site

Rural Metro Fire Department
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Rural Metro Fire Departmentexternal

$97K - $121K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Transport customers safely to and from locations and facilities in collaboration with medical experts.

  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches, including compliance with manuals, FAR, REACH requirements, and aircraft cleanliness.

  • Maintain accurate REACH and regulatory documentation and record keeping.

Job description

HAA Pilot Full-Time Opportunity – El Dorado (Placerville), CA

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today!

We’re hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services for REACH customers. Safety is a key pillar of our services.

Incentives
  • $106,511- $117,162 Salaryincluding20%Geo Modifier
  • 15K Sign on Bonus, subject to eligibility
  • Retention Bonus Plans ($40,000 after 3 years, plus additional retention bonuses once completed)
  • Eligible for a $5000 Fire Stipend (Upon successful completion of the required Fire Check Ride, subject to applicable eligibility requirements)
  • On Duty Housing (for select locations)
  • 7Days On and7Days OffSchedule
Responsibilities
  • Working with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and REACH requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate REACH and regulatory documentation and record keeping
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners
  • Provide shift change info to successive pilot and team following protocol for recording A REACH change board details
  • Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training
Minimum Requirements
  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate
  • Helicopter instrument rating
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • Must meet U.S. Forest Service carding requirements:
    • 100 flight hours in the past 12 months
    • 50 hours in the AS350
    • 200 hours of mountain flight time (as defined by AIM
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours
  • 2,000 Helicopter Hours
  • 1,000Helicopter PICHours
  • 1000 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • 200 helicopter hours night hours aided or unaided
  • 230 poundweight limit with flight gear
Preferred Qualifications
  • AS350/H125 Aircraft Experience
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher
Why Choose REACH?

As a leader in helicopter air ambulance services, REACH is one of Global Medical Response’s (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com.

GMR’s Core Behaviors

—keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable — unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services.

EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Competitive starting salaries from $106,511 – $117,162; 20% geo modifier included, not additional.

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

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