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Fire Pilot Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Lehi City

Water Systems Operator 1/2/3/4 - Leak Crew

Lehi, UT · On-site

$21.35 - $37.21/hr

... fire hydrants, and water mains, including thawing frozen lines and repairing or replacing faulty ... They assist in placement, removal, and adjustment of pipe regulators and pilot valves. Repairs and ...

Washington City

Water System Operator

Washington, UT · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

... fire hydrants and plugged water meters; repairs water mains; cleans and maintains storage tanks ... adjusts pilot valves as needed to assure efficient water line service. Installs new water lines ...

Lehi City

Water Systems Operator 1/2/3/4 - Leak Crew

Lehi, UT · On-site

$21.35 - $37.21/hr

... fire hydrants, and water mains, including thawing frozen lines and repairing or replacing faulty ... They assist in placement, removal, and adjustment of pipe regulators and pilot valves. Repairs and ...

Washington City

Water System Operator

Washington, UT

$63K/yr

... fire hydrants and plugged water meters; repairs water mains; cleans and maintains storage tanks ... adjusts pilot valves as needed to assure efficient water line service. Installs new water lines ...

Washington City

Water Operator FT

Washington, UT · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

... fire hydrants and plugged water meters; repairs water mains; cleans and maintains storage tanks ... adjusts pilot valves as needed to assure efficient water line service. Installs new water lines ...

All JobsFire Pilot JobsFire Pilot Jobs in Utah

Fire Pilot information

See Utah salary details

$45.1K

$119.2K

$183K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Utah is $119,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $141,100.00 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 Utah? For Fire Pilot jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,182 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

SkillBridge Fixed-Wing Pilot (GFL)

Guardian Flight

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site, Remote

$91K - $100K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description


SkillBridge Fixed-Wing PIC Pilot Military Fellowship (Multiple Locations)
MUST BE ACTIVE-DUTY U.S. MILITARY TO QUALIFY
Not active-duty military? You can view related open roles here:
  • Global Medical Response | GMR Careers

Global Medical Response (GMR) is proud to be an authorized provider of the DOD SkillBridge program, offering U.S. Military Service Members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience in the medical response industry through training, internships and on-the-job (OJT) experience.
Under the SkillBridge program, GMR hosts active-duty U.S. Military members for skilled employment training during the final six months of their active-duty obligated service. The SkillBridge Program with GMR will run for up to 180-days. During the SkillBridge program, a military service member will retain thier military pay and benefits and will not be compensated by GMR.
SkillBridge program start dates are timed in accordance with company indoc schedules and Service Member availability.
SkillBridge Program Minimum Required Qualifications (general):
  • Current Active-Duty Service Member
  • Meets DoD SkillBridge Qualifications
  • Available to participate for up to 180-days.
  • Obtain signed approval from your unit commander (04 or above) and agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate.

During SkillBridge Program
  • 7/7 schedule at most locations
  • 24-hour base housing provided at most locations

If Hired after Completion of SkillBridge Program
Although successful completion of a Skillbridge program is a not a guarantee of future employment with any GMR company, a newly hired GMR/Guardian Flight Pilot can expect the following:
  • Starting base salary $91,167.60 to $100,284.36, or higher depending on experience and airfame.
  • 0% to 70% geographic modifier for assigned base, depending on location
  • $15,000 sign-on bonus and $40,000 retention bonus after 3 years, all locations

Job Summary
Ensures all operations involving Company aircraft are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Gaurdian Flight EMS Operations Manual, and all state and municipal regulations.
  • Operates the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner, with emphasis on compliance with the Fixed Wing 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 Fixed Wing 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: PC-12
Experience (Line Pilot)
  • 2,500 total flight hours
  • 2,000 fixed wing hours
  • 1,000 PIC hours
  • 500 cross country hours
  • 100 night hours
  • 75 instrument hours (with at least 50 actual)

Education and Credentials:
  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) Required.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment.
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • Must have a valid and currently unexpired driver's license
  • Highschool diploma or better

QUALIFICATIONS: KING AIR C90/B200
Experience (Line Pilot)
  • 2,500 total flight hours
  • 2,000 Fixed Wing hours
  • 1,000 PIC hours
  • 500 Cross Country hours
  • 500 multi-engine hours
  • 100 night hours
  • 75 instrument (50 actual) hours

Education and Credentials:
  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land (C-AMEL) Required.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment.
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • Must have a valid and currently unexpired driver's license
  • Highschool diploma or better

QUALIFICATIONS: LEAR 45
Experience (PIC)
  • 4,000 Fixed Wing hours
  • 1,000 Turbine hours
  • 500 Crew Enviroment hours
  • EMS Flight Experience preferred.

Education and Credentials:
  • ATP-ME Required.
  • Must be willing and able to obtain ATP within 5 years of employment.
  • FAA First Calss Medical (6 Months)
  • Must have a valid and currently unexpired driver's license
  • Highschool diploma or better

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.
GMR's Core Behaviors-keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable-unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services.
GMR is committed to supporting veterans, military spouses, and active-duty service members through recognized hiring initiatives and partnerships. Learn more about our dedication to creating meaningful career opportunities for the military community at Military | GMR Careers
Please Note: This SkillBridge Military opportunity is available for Transitioning Service Members ONLY! Although this is NOT a Direct Hire Position, participants who successfully complete their SkillBridge program may be eligible for immediate consideration for current open positions.
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 benefit options offered to regular, full time employees of GMR.

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