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Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Evac Lifeteam

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

O Fallon, MO · On-site

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Rotor Wing Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Duncan, OK

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits pageto learn more about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits pageto learn more about ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Watson, IL · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Fort Smith, AR

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Helicopter Pilot

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated healthcare ... Pilots More Information about this Job: Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Pilot Jobs

Fire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do fire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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.

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
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What states have the most Fire Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Pilot jobs include:
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Fire Pilot jobs near you
Maintenance Ferry Pilot

Maintenance Ferry Pilot

Global Medical Response

O Fallon, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Global Medical Response rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 870 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We invite you to join a team of highly skilled pilots!

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

          Salary range $70, 358 - $77, 393

  • $15,000 sign-on bonus and $40,000 retention bonus after 3 years, all locations
  • 7/7 schedule
  • 24-hour base housing, provided at all locations

JOB SUMMARY

This is a time-building position for pilots that do not yet meet the Air Evac Line Pilot minimums and CAMTS requirements. Once the minimums are met, the Maintenance/Ferry Pilot transitions to a line position.

Assists maintenance personnel at a Regional Maintenance Offices (RMO) to conduct pre-flights, run-ups, operational check flights (OCFs), and fly aircraft as necessary (14CFR91 flights only; 14CFR135 flights are strictly prohibited).

Ensures that all aircraft have met the highest standards regarding Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and compliance prior to being released to the field. Ferries aircraft between RMOs and bases, and other locations, and strives to minimize base out-of-service time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

  • Conducts pre-flights and reports any findings to the respective maintenance personnel.
  • Conducts run-ups and reports any findings to the respective maintenance personnel.
  • Conducts Operational Check Flights (OCFs) and reports any findings to the respective maintenance personnel.
  • Maintains engineering reports as required.
  • Works with maintenance personnel to resolve all mechanical issues and concerns.
  • Ferries aircraft between the RMO and field locations, as well as other locations when required.
  • Ferries all other aircraft as required.
  • All flights will comply with 14CFR91, the GOM, and Policies & Procedures.
  • 14CFR135 flights are strictly prohibited.

QUALIFICATIONS

Credentials/Certificates: 

  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial certificate
  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument rating
  • Current Second Class medical certificate
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

  • 1500 hours total flight time
  • 1200 hours helicopter time
  • 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command time
  • 250 hours turbine time
  • 50 hours night unaided and/or NVG

Other:

  • 230-pound weight limit
    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.

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

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options, which include medical, vision, dental, 401k, disability, FSA, HAS, EAP, vacation and paid time off.

EvergreenQualifications:

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

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Global Medical Response employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Global Medical Response logo

About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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. With more than 38,000 employees, 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 health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018

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