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Fire Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract. Ideal candidates are ...

Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000 total ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000 total ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$138.4K

$212.5K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Oregon is $138,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $163,900.00 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.

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Fire Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Oregon 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 $138,416 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

[Repost] S70/UH-60 Fire Pilot - Oregon & Washington

Heli Preflight

Mcminnville, OR • On-site

$109 - $163/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from McMinnville, travel expenses provided. Most operations are conducted locally. Schedule is balanced to meet customer demand and personal needs. We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid time in accordance with company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company.
  • Conduct aerial work operations such as Aerial Fire Suppression, Dispensing operations, External load, Reconnaissance.
  • Be able to work on a roster away from home base for extended periods at a time at short notice.
  • Willing to fly other aircraft types if qualified and as required by the company.
  • Devote time to group or self-study of aircraft systems, EP's, etc. and be available for training and check-flights as required by FAA/USFS and Weyerhaeuser.
  • Maintain written and computerized flight logs and records.
  • Ensure all flights, operations and other work follow FAA Regulations, Company Manuals, policies and Weyerhaeuser SOP's and are achieved safely, effectively and efficiently.
  • Maintains state of readiness for dispatch to emergency and non-emergency operations; or to any other assigned locations as required by the company at short notice.
  • Perform any other duties during scheduled shift as requested by Aviation Operations Manager (aka Director of Operations) or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations).
  • Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ability to report to the McMinnville Oregon base (approximately within ~60 minutes) for daily duties.
Qualifications
  • Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating
  • 3,000+ total rotary-wing flight hours
  • 1,000+ hours Part 133 sling load / external load operations
  • Minimum 3 years / 500 hours in aerial work operations, including firefighting
  • Class II FAA Medical Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) training
  • Ability to obtain USDA Firefighting Carding for the S-70
  • Willingness to fly other aircraft types if qualified and required
  • Ability to relocate to Northwest Oregon and report to the McMinnville base within ~60 minutes
Desirable Qualifications/Experience:
  • UH60/ S70 Blackhawk Type rating or current CFR 61.58
  • 100+ hours UH60/ S70 Blackhawk
  • Aerial Firefighting experience in Type II (Bell 212)
What We Offer:

Compensation: This role is eligible for our annual merit-increase program, and we are targeting a salary range $108,521 - $162,782 based on your level of skills, qualifications and experience. You will also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program, which offers a cash bonus targeting 15% of base pay. Potential plan funding may range from zero to two times that target.

Benefits: When you join our team, you and your dependents will be offered coverage under our comprehensive employee benefits plan, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance. We offer a pre-tax Health Savings Account option which includes a company contribution. Other benefit options are also available such as voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs. We also support personal volunteerism, sponsor a host of diversity networks, promote mentoring, and provide training and development opportunities to help you chart your path to a fulfilling career.

Retirement: Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, which includes a paid company match in addition to our contribution equal to 5% of your eligible pay.

Paid Time Off or Vacation: We provide eligible employees who are scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week with 3-weeks of paid vacation to use during your first year of employment. We also recognize eleven paid holidays per year, providing a total of 88 holiday hours and paid parental leave for all full-time employees.

We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We're serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.

About Timberlands

We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providingrecreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.

Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core valuesand we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.

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