ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Watson, IL

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Big Spring, TX

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

New

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Lexington, KY

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Tyler, TX

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

New

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Louisville, KY

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Apply Early

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Paris, TX

$88K - $97K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Moberly, MO · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

REACH Medical Holdings

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Paris, TX · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Moberly, MO · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

... helicopter pilot in command500 hours turbine100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Athens, AL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

... 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command 500 hours turbine 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours ... We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Helicopter Pilot Jobs

Fire Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Helicopter Pilot, and why are they important?

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 Fire Helicopter Pilots?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 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

Helicopter Pilot

Air Evac Lifeteam

Watson, IL

$87K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Description:

We invite you to join a team of highly skilled emergency medical experts, pilots and mechanics!
Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment‘s notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us.

This posting is for multiple Visual Flight Rules (VFR) positions, we have many other opportunities available!  By applying through this posting, we are able to move your application to the open location of your choosing.  This is not a Float Pilot position.

Starting Salary Range: $87,019 – $95,720

Up to 30% geographic modifier, depending on location

15K Sign on Bonus
40K Retention Bonus after 3 years

On Duty Housing at all locations

7/7 Schedule at most locations

JOB SUMMARY

 

Ensures all operations involving Company aircraft are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Air Evac EMS Operations Manual, and all state and municipal regulations.

  • Operates the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner, with emphasis on compliance with the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
  • Monitors forecast changes and current weather situations
  • Conducts preflight of the aircraft prior to starting shift and/or accepting transports or flights. Preflight will be conducted utilizing the appropriate rotorcraft flight manual. Discrepancies noted during the pre-flight will be noted in the engineering log with a notification to maintenance of the discrepancy and what corrective action is being taken
  • Reports to his/her shift rested and prepared for duty and stays current of weather and forecast changes


QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

 

2000 hours total flight time
1500 hours helicopter time
1000 hours helicopter pilot in command
500 hours turbine
100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided
Previous HAA experience or equivalent – preferred
Education and Credentials:


Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial Certificate
Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument Rating

High school diploma or equivalent
Other:

230-pound weight limit dressed in flight suit and boots

Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

 

Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare solutions and disaster response.

This is an evergreen role with no anticipated close date. 

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. Pilots

More Information about this Job:

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about  our comprehensive benefit options, which include medical, vision, dental, 401k, disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, vacation and paid time off.