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Fire Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

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 ...

Coulson Aviation

CH-47D Pilot in Command

Portland, OR · On-site

Rotary wing pilots with CH-47D Pilot in Command experience for full-time, year-round employment ... Applicants must be willing and able to work in the USA and overseas on fire assignments as ...

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Oregon

Fire Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$138.4K

$212.5K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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.

How much do fire plane pilots make?

Fire plane 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 certifications and operate aircraft such as airtankers or water bombers during wildfire suppression efforts.

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 are Fire Pilots?

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.

Can an epileptic be a firefighter?

Firefighters must meet medical and physical standards, and epilepsy can disqualify candidates depending on severity and control of seizures. Medical evaluations and clear seizure management are typically required, and individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy may be ineligible for firefighting roles due to safety concerns. Each department's requirements can vary, so consulting specific agency policies is recommended.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Firefighters, including those in specialized roles like fire pilots or aerial firefighters, can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, overtime, and in high-cost-of-living areas. However, typical firefighter salaries vary widely depending on location, rank, and department size, with many earning less than this amount.

How long does it take to become a fire pilot?

Becoming a fire pilot typically requires several years of aviation experience, including obtaining a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and specialized training in firefighting aircraft operations. Many fire pilots have at least 1,500 flight hours and relevant experience in fixed-wing or helicopter flying before qualifying for firefighting roles, which can take 3 to 5 years or more depending on training pace and opportunities.

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.

More about Fire Pilot jobs
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 job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Oregon as of July 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.
B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

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 engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.