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Fire Pilot Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fire Pilot information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$50K

$132.4K

$203.2K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in Spokane, WA is $132,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,100.00 and $156,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs in Spokane, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs in Spokane, WA are:

What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Fire Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,547 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

CL415 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Aero-Flite, Inc.

Spokane, WA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The mission of Aero-Flite is to provide exceptional firefighting aircraft and customer service in support of our ground firefighting partners. Our vision is to continually strive to improve our safety and service while offering greater value to our partner agencies.
FLY THE CL-415 | FIGHT WILDFIRES | MAKE AN IMPACT
Aero-Flite is hiring CL-415 Scooper Pilots.
Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Pilot, you'll fly the CL-415 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering water where it matters most.
Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.
CL - 415 FIREFIGHTING PILOTS
As a CL - 415 Pilot, you will be part of a highly trained crew responsible for executing critical aerial firefighting missions. You will operate under Interagency standards and FAA regulations, ensuring safety, operational excellence, and mission success in dynamic and challenging environments.
SUMMARY
The first Officer is a carded Airtanker Pilot who acts as second in command for wildfire suppression missions operating multi-engine amphibious firefighting aircraft.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
  • Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
  • Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
  • Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
  • Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
  • Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
  • Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
  • Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
  • Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
  • Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite's Mission, Vision, and Values

OTHER DUTIES
    • Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
    • Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
    • Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
    • Perform maintenance flights as required.
    • Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
  • Aeronautical - Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations.
  • Regulatory - Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and Agency policies.
  • Mechanical - Expert knowledge of aircraft systems.
  • Human Factors - Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
  • Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles

Abilities
  • Aeronautical Decision Making - Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
  • Airmanship - Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, and discipline to command the machine to support the Pilot in Command.
  • Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking - Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance..
  • Computer Literacy - Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
  • Technical comprehension and writing - Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage maintenance discrepancy logs. MES.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Stationary Position - Must be able to remain in stationary position for lengthy flight missions.
  • Mobility - Must be able to move about office, hangar and aircraft without limitations.
  • Dexterity/Stamina - Able to use repetitive and precisely coordinated movements to manipulate flight controls and switches for lengthy missions.
  • Agility - Able to ascend/descend ladders and position self to inspect and/or service equipment.
  • Strength - Able to support equipment up to 70 pounds.
  • Balance - Able to manage equilibrium while traversing across office, hangar, aircraft, and ascend/descend ladders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education and Experience
  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL) and multiengine sea (MES) ratings - (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 500 hours PIC seaplane (preferred)
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew
  • 200 hours PIC mountainous terrain
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience - preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Preferred Education and Experience
Education and Training
  • Professional Aviation training
    Specialized aircraft courses, Simulator, and CRM training.
  • Post Secondary Education
    2 or 4 year degree program
  • Human Factors / Safety Management
    Formal risk-based education (preferred)

Competencies
  • Deadline oriented and organized
  • Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based upon business and customer needs.
TRAVEL
Extensive travel, primarily CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside North America may be required.
APPLY TODAY
If you're ready to elevate your career and make a difference saving communities, homes and lands while supporting ground firefighters, we want to hear from you.
Join Aero-Flite-where your skills, passion, and purpose come together to protect what matters most.
The pay range for a CL415 Pilot in Washington state is $81,000.00-$114,000.00 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.
Aero-Flite is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Aero-Flite is a Federal Contractor, we adhere to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, to include testing for THC.