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Fire Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression ... Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the ...

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression ... Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the ...

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression ... Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the ...

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression ... Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... tank, hydraulic snorkel, external water bucket, sling loads, and rescue hoist Reviewing and ... FIRE PILOT CHECK FLIGHT EXAMINATION Candidates who successfully complete the oral interview will be ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

Operating special helicopter accessory equipment, including fixed water tank, hydraulic snorkel ... The Fire Pilot Check Flight is a pass/fail event. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully ...

Wheelman

Harahan, LA · On-site

Master, Relief Captain,Pilot DEPARTMENT: Vessel FLSASTATUS: Exempt SUPERVISION: Reportsto: C.O.O ... Tankerman,Deckhands SUMMARYDESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable,and ...

Wheelman

Harahan, LA · On-site

Tankerman, Deckhands SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and ... The Pilot backs up the Master, serving as supervisor when the Master is asleep and has management ...

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Fire Tanker Pilot information

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How much do fire tanker pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire tanker pilot in the United States is $26.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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For Fire Tanker Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,518 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA

afi
51 - 200 employees

$82K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

FLY THE RJ85  |  FIGHT WILDFIRES  |  MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you’ll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.

Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.

PILOT - Q400

Summary 

Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time.  Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.

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 procedures
•    Mechanical – Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
•    Human Factors – Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
•    Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
•    Adaptability – Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

 

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, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
•    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 discrepancy logs and MEL.

 

Education and Experience

  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL)  – (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
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine 
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew 
  • 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

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

 

Travel
Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

 

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 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, 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.