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Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Rayville, LA · On-site +1

$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 ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Eastland, TX · On-site +1

$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 ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Paris, TX · On-site +1

$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 ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Watson, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Harrisburg, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% 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.

REACH Helicopter Pilot (Fire) - HAA

Williams, CA • On-site

Global Medical Response
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$92K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Transport customers safely to and from locations and facilities with a helicopter, working with a team of medical experts.

  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flights by following manuals, FAR, and REACH requirements, and maintain aircraft cleanliness.

  • Maintain accurate documentation and records related to flights, aircraft, and regulatory compliance.


Global Medical Response rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

HAA Pilot Full-Time Opportunity 

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

We’re hiring aHelicopter Pilotto provide medical air transportation services for REACH customers. Safety isa key pillar of ourservices. 

Incentives 

  • $106,511 - $117,162 Salary including 20% 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) 
  • 7 Days On and 7 Days Off Schedule 

Responsibilities 

  • Working with a team of medical expertstosafelytransport customers to and fromlocations and facilities 
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatchesas described in the appropriate manuals,includingallFARand REACH requirements, andaircraft cleanlinessduties 
  • MaintainaccurateREACH and regulatorydocumentation andrecord keeping 
  • Effectively communicate and collaboratewith dispatch, flight crews,facilities,and partners 
  • Provide shift change infoto successive pilotandteam followingprotocol forrecordingA REACH change boarddetails 
  • Accountable tomaintainrequiredcertifications and ongoing training 

MinimumRequirements 

  • 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 
  • 1,000 Helicopter PIC Hours 
  • 1000 Turbine Helicopter Hours 
  • 200 helicopter hours night hours aided or unaided
  • 230 pound weight 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 ambulanceservices,REACHis one ofGlobal Medical Response’s(GMR)family ofsolutions. OurGMRteams 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 atwww.AtaMomentsNotice.com. 

GMR’s Core Behaviors—keep care at the center, raise your hand,seekto understand, find a way together and be accountable—uniteour teamsand 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.

R0055705Qualifications:

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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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. With more than 38,000 employees, 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 health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018