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Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods Pilots

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI

$88K - $110K/yr

First aid kit, fire extinguisher(s) and airsickness bags. * For all flights, one Life Jacket for ... Pilot in Command Hours preferred. * Have a Commercial-instrument Helicopter Rating. * Must be able ...

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Fire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
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Fire Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Base Pilot Supervisor- AEL 070 Woodward, OK

Base Pilot Supervisor- AEL 070 Woodward, OK

Air Evac Lifeteam

Woodward, OK • On-site

$115K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description


We invite you to join a team of highly skilled emergency medical experts, pilots and mechanics!
Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost, and we will be there when you need us.
PILOT INCENTIVES
Base Pilot Supervisor Annual Stipend: $5000
Salary range $115,387 - $126,926 including 30% Geo Modifier
  • $15K Sign on Bonus
  • Retention Bonus plans ($40,000 after 3 years plus additional retention bonuses once completed)
  • 7/7 schedule
  • 24-hour base housing, provided at all locations

JOB SUMMARY
Ensures all operations involving Company aircraft are in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Air Evac EMS Operations Manual, and all state and municipal regulations.
The Base Pilot Supervisor (BPS) is the front-line supervisor for the Line Pilots assigned to the base. The BPS will work in conjunction with the Program Director to ensure the base operates in an efficient, safe, and economical manner.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides leadership and training to Base Line Pilots:
  • Develops and coordinates with the Regional Director of Flight Operations on the pilot duty schedules
  • Coordinates with the Program Director on the flight planning activities and resources for mission support at the base
  • Conducts local area orientations for all new hire pilots assigned to the base
  • Coordinates the aviation activities associated with public relations events
  • Reviews, corrects, and submits to the Regional Director of Flight Operations each base pilot's monthly flight/duty log in the required time frame
  • Monitors pilots at the base and assists in the day-to-day management of flight and administrative issues
  • Submits all assigned base pilot's payroll grids to the Regional Director of Flight Operations
  • Operates the aircraft in a safe and efficient manner, with emphasis on compliance with the Rotorcraft 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 rotorcraft 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
Meet the requirements of a Base Line Pilot:
2000 hours total flight time
1500 hours helicopter time
1000 hours helicopter pilot in command
500 hours turbine
100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided
Preferred:
Previous HAA experience or equivalent
One year of experience as a Pilot with a GMR company
Previous supervisory experience helpful
Education and Credentials:
Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial Certificate
Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument Rating
High school diploma or equivalent
Other:
230-pound weight limit dressed in flight suit and boots
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.
Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefit options, which include medical, vision, dental, 401k, disability, FSA, HSA, EAP, vacation and paid time off
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.
More Information about this Job
Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

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