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Fire Pilot Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

USG Corporation

PLC Technician

Otsego, MI · On-site

$25.75 - $31.75/hr

... pilot circuitry • Pushbuttons, timers and devices • VFD setup, operation, maintenance, and ... aid, fire, evacuation, etc.) • Must actively participate in safety program components such as ...

USG Corporation

PLC Technician

Otsego, MI

$25.75 - $31.75/hr

... pilot circuitry · Pushbuttons, timers and devices · VFD setup, operation, maintenance, and ... aid, fire, evacuation, etc.) · Must actively participate in safety program components such as ...

The City of Bay City, Michigan

Police Officer

Bay City, MI · On-site

$28.76 - $38.22/hr

... Drone Pilot, Firearms Instructor, and many other specialty jobs and community outreach positions ... Possess or have the ability to complete a fire academy and obtain certification in Michigan as a ...

Bay City, MI

Public Safety Officer

Bay City, MI · On-site

$32.77/hr

... Drone Pilot, Firearms Instructor, and many other specialty jobs and community outreach positions ... Possess or have the ability to complete a fire academy and obtain certification in Michigan as a ...

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Michigan

Fire Pilot information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$114.1K

$175.2K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Michigan is $114,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire pilot?

Fire Pilots are specialized pilots trained to operate aircraft in support of firefighting operations. They fly planes or helicopters to drop water or fire retardants over wildfires, transport firefighters and equipment, and conduct aerial surveillance of fire zones. Their work is critical in controlling and suppressing large-scale wildfires, often requiring quick decision-making and flying in challenging and dangerous conditions. Fire Pilots typically work for government agencies, firefighting services, or private contractors.

What does a fire pilot do?

As a fire pilot or air tanker pilot, you respond to wildfires by providing water drops, fire retardant, and other fire suppression materials from your aircraft. In most cases, you spend the bulk of your day standing by and waiting to respond to an alert that indicates the probability of wildfire. Depending on probability, you may need to stay on-site or remain within a specified distance of the base. When the call comes, your responsibilities include completing the pre-flight checklist, loading the details in your GPS, and then completing the flight according to the directions received.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot’s license, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with aircraft like air tankers or helicopters, navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient support for firefighting teams while minimizing risk during high-stress, unpredictable wildfire missions.

What are some common challenges faced by fire pilots during wildfire suppression missions?

Fire Pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and challenging terrain when flying over wildfire zones. Coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft is essential to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Additionally, Fire Pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as sudden wind shifts, updrafts, and the risk of engine overheating during extended low-altitude flights. These challenges require strong situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure.

What is the difference between Fire Pilot vs Firefighter?

AspectFire PilotFirefighter
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Firefighting trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentAircraft, firefighting helicopters or planesFire stations, emergency scenes, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, aerial firefighting companiesMunicipal fire departments, rescue services

Fire Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires from the air, requiring pilot licenses and specialized firefighting training. Firefighters work on the ground, handling rescue and suppression tasks, and need firefighting certifications. Both roles are vital in firefighting but differ significantly in work environment and required credentials.

How much do fire pilots get paid?

Fire pilots, also known as aerial firefighters, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often require specialized training and certifications, such as a commercial pilot license and firefighting qualifications, which can influence salary levels.

Is it hard to become a fire pilot?

Becoming a fire pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, gaining experience in aviation, and often specialized wildfire or aerial firefighting certifications. The process is demanding and competitive, requiring strong flying skills, safety knowledge, and physical fitness.
More about Fire Pilot jobs

What are popular job titles related to Fire Pilot jobs in Michigan?

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What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Michigan are:

Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,106 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Fixed Wing Pilot

Iron Mountain, MI • On-site

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

$94.85 - $104.33/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position

Fixed Wing Pilot

Location

Iron Mountain, MI

Airframe

Pilatus PC12

Schedule

14 Days On 14 Days Off

Annual Salary Range

$94,850.77 - $104,335.85

Benefits
  • 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must complete training and check ride).
  • 40,000 Retention Bonus (There is a 6 Month waiting period and this is a 3 year program).
  • No Training Contract.
  • Up to 3,000 in Relocation Assistance.
  • Company Paid Crew Housing.
  • Company Paid ATP-CTP (If not already completed).

We’re hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to our customers. This pilot will be qualified to fly our PC12 aircraft. Scheduled shifts run 14/14 and service day or night trips. Safety is a key pillar of our services; therefore, all of our pilots work on a quality, professional team that are committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers.

Responsibilities
  • Pilot will work 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 company requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties.
  • Maintain accurate company and regulatory documentation and record keeping for shifts, load manifests, etc.
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with both air and ground dispatch, flight crews, facilities and partners.
  • Provide shift change info to transitioning pilot and team, and follows protocols for recording company change board details.
  • Pilots are accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing ground and air training.
  • Committed to being on-time, reliable, professional and meet our elevated standards in safety and service.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required.
  • The ideal candidate will have single pilot IFR experience.
  • Previous medevac and/or cargo experience preferred.
  • Ability to provide logbooks listing all flight dates and corresponding hours, along with a cumulative total that substantiates the time reported on the resume.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment.
  • Valid and unexpired driver's license.
  • Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
  • 2,500 Total Flight hours.
  • 2,000 Fixed Wing hours.
  • 1,000 PIC hours.
  • 500 Cross Country hours.
  • 100 Night hours.
  • 75 Instrument (50 actual) hours.
Preferred Education
  • Minimum of a High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or higher.
Working Conditions
  • Required to work in outside weather conditions.
  • Must be able to work night, day, and overnight shifts as assigned.
  • May need to de-ice the plane, assist with towing the aircraft and maneuvering in and out of the hangar, prep the plane for flight.
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.

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