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Fire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rotor Wing 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 ...

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Fire Pilot information

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$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.

What cities are hiring for Fire Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Fire Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Fire Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fire Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Pilot jobs are:
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.

SkillBridge Rotor Pilot (Multiple Locations)

REACH Medical Holdings

Cordova, IL

$85K - $93K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description

SkillBridge Rotor Pilot (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 their 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 MinimumRequired 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 or 14/14 schedule, depending on location
  • 24-hour base housing provided at select locations

Post 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/Med-Trans Pilot can expect the following:

  • Starting base salary $85,312 to $93,844, depending on experience
  • 0% to 43% 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 

Responsibilities

  • Working with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and Med-Trans requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate MTC and regulatory documentation and record keeping
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners
  • Provide shift change info to successive pilot and team following protocol for recording Med-Trans change board details
  • Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training

MED-TRANS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate
  • Helicopter Instrument Rating
  • Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • 2000 Total Flight Hours (No conversion factor applied)
  • 1500 Helicopter Hours
  • 1000 Helicopter PIC Hours
  • 1000 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • 200 Helicopter Night Flight Hours (Aided or Unaided)
  • 200 Instrument Hours (Actual/Hood/SIM) 50 Hours Actual WX in Aircraft (IFR positions)
  • Previous HAA experience or equivalent is preferred

AEL REQUIREMENTS:

Experience (Line Pilot)

  • 2000 hours total flight time (No conversion factor applied) 
  • 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
  • Previous HAA experience or equivalent helpful

Experience (MX/Ferry Pilot)

  • 1500 hours total flight time (No conversion factor applied) 
  • 1200 hours helicopter time
  • 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command
  • 250 hours turbine
  • 50 hours night unaided

Education and Credentials:

  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial Certificate
  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument Rating
  • FAA Class II Medical Certificate or better
  • High school diploma or equivalent

REACH REQUIREMENTS: 

Experience (Line Pilot)

  • 2000 hours total flight time
  • 1000 hours helicopter pilot in command
  • 1000 hours turbine
  • 200 hours cumulative night
  • 100 hours instrument time (for IFR roles)
  • Previous HAA experience or equivalent helpful

**be prepared to submit logbooks for review

Education and Credentials:

  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial Certificate
  • FAA Rotorcraft-Helicopter Instrument Rating
  • FAA Class II Medical Certificate or better
  • 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.

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 

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.

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.

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR