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Firefighting Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC) About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial ... firefighting or utility helicopter experience - Experience supervising crew and copilots Work ...

... firefighting or utility helicopter experience - Experience supervising crews Work Environment - Field-based operations in dynamic and remote environments - Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and varying ...

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

About Hillsboro Aviation Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and ... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ...

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

... helicopter-based emergency response missions worldwide. In this role, you'll work alongside pilots ... firefighting systems such as fixed water tanks, hydraulic snorkels, buckets, and sling loads.

Knowledge of shipboard safety procedures and use of all firefighting and safety equipment, highly ... Ability to multi task between multiple helicopter pilots, monitoring current and any approaching ...

Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead ... This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in ...

Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead ... This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in ...

Firefighting Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do firefighting helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do helicopter rescue pilots make?

Firefighting helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Experienced pilots with specialized training and flight hours can earn higher salaries, especially when working in high-demand or government roles during peak fire seasons.

Is there a high demand for helicopter pilots?

Firefighting helicopter pilots are in high demand due to increasing wildfire incidents and the need for aerial firefighting and rescue operations. The job requires specialized training, certifications, and experience, and employment opportunities are often available in regions prone to wildfires and natural disasters.

What is the difference between Firefighting Helicopter Pilot vs Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot?

AspectFirefighting Helicopter PilotSearch and Rescue Helicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, specialized firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, rescue operation training
Work EnvironmentFire zones, rugged terrains, wildfire areasDisaster zones, remote locations, mountainous regions
Employer & IndustryFire departments, government agencies, firefighting contractorsRescue organizations, coast guard, emergency services

Both Firefighting Helicopter Pilots and Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilots require similar certifications and often operate in challenging environments. The main difference lies in their focus: firefighting pilots combat wildfires, while rescue pilots perform emergency evacuations and locate missing persons. Their skills overlap, but their operational objectives differ significantly.

How much do helicopter pilots make fighting fires?

Firefighting helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications and skills in aerial firefighting can earn higher salaries, especially during peak fire seasons or with federal agencies.

Is 40 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

Firefighting helicopter pilots can be of various ages, and many agencies value experience and skills over age. While physical fitness and medical certifications are required, there is generally no strict age limit, and individuals in their 40s can successfully become and serve as helicopter pilots with proper training and certification.

What are firefighting helicopter pilots?

Firefighting helicopter pilots are highly trained professionals who operate helicopters to support firefighting efforts, particularly in combating wildfires. Their responsibilities include transporting water or fire retardant, conducting aerial drops over burning areas, and assisting with crew transport and evacuation. These pilots work closely with ground crews and must have specialized training to navigate challenging conditions such as smoke, high temperatures, and variable weather. Their work is crucial for controlling large fires in areas that are difficult to reach by traditional means.

What are some common challenges faced by a firefighting helicopter pilot during wildfire operations?

Firefighting helicopter pilots often contend with rapidly changing weather conditions, low visibility due to smoke, and flying at low altitudes over rugged terrain, all while coordinating closely with ground crews and other aircraft. Pilots must make quick decisions to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when dropping water or fire retardant near active fire lines. Effective communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this dynamic and high-risk environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firefighting Helicopter Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighting Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with helicopter ratings, extensive flight hours (often 1,500+), and specialized training in aerial firefighting and external load operations. Proficiency with navigation systems, GPS mapping, radio communications, and firefighting equipment like Bambi Buckets is typically required. Critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe and effective aerial firefighting operations in high-risk and dynamic environments.
More about Firefighting Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighting Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Firefighting Helicopter Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Firefighting Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighting Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighting Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Air Rescue Helicopter Pilot

Air Rescue Helicopter Pilot

Broward County Sheriff's Office

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$181K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Broward County Sheriff's Office rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 34 rated police


Job description

Minimum Requirements The base salary for this position is $110,717.00. The $181,999.00 salary listed above includes applicable supplemental compensation, including EMT Certification pay (5%), Special Operations pay (5.5%), and Fire Rescue Aviation supplemental pay. ***** The earning potential for this position, depending on qualifications, certifications, and assignment, is up to $181,999.00 within the first year of employment

***** This gross total does not include educational incentive pay for which an incumbent may be eligible. High school diploma or equivalent Possession of a Rotorcraft-Helicopter Commercial and Instrument rated license Possession of an FAA First or Second Class Medical certificate 2500 total flight hours with a minimum of 2000 hours in category 1500 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) in category 1000 hours rotorcraft turbine time of which 500 is twin engine time 500 hours cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night 200 hours unaided night as PIC (100 hours of unaided can be substituted for by NVG, but cannot be reduced below 100 hours of unaided time) 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in flight category (simulator time only counts if it is a certified Level D FSTD) Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida driver's license throughout employment without restrictions that may affect job performance. Maintain a State of Florida or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE >3500 total rotorcraft-helicopter flight hours >2000 total PIC in category 500 hours NVG experience 14CFR 135 Helicopter Air Ambulance experience Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate Airline Transport Pilot Certificate EC135/EC145 experience Nature of Work Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to perform flight operations within the Aviation Division of the Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Employees in this classification are certified public safety employees. Position operates as the pilot in command for multi engine helicopters in response to a variety of emergency and fire rescue missions.

Position provides assistance with on-the-scene emergency medical care. Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision, utilizing initiative, and discretion in response to emergency circumstances. Performs related work as directed.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

As the pilot in command, operates rotary-wing aircraft in response to fire rescue scene calls, inter-facility transports and search and rescue missions and/or assist people in distress. Complies with Federal Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Control procedures. Conducts all flight operations in compliance with the FARs, the aircraft flight manual, BSO General Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, and BSOFR policies/procedures.

Transports victims, patients, equipment, and medical personnel; ensures that the aircraft and weather conditions are flightworthy to transport medical crew and patients to and from medical facilities. Performs aerial firefighting operations. Conducts Rescue Hoist operations.

Ensures full and proper completion of all flight/maintenance logs, load manifest forms, Record of Airman Flight and Duty Time Sheets, Risk Assessments, and the securing of the aircraft at the completion of the flight. Ensures proper briefing of passengers per 14 CFR 135.117. Passenger briefings Performs all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight checks in accordance with federal, state, and local laws

Conducts detailed flight plans with little notice; ensures proper fueling and operations readiness of aircraft at all times. Performs aircraft cleaning; keeps the aircraft exterior clean and assists in keeping the base of operations presentable. Cockpit cleanliness and organization are the sole responsibility of the pilot.

Will facilitate washes and rinse of aircraft when required as per pilot maintenance procedures described here in BSO General Operations Manual. Performs station duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot. Completes all training and qualification events required to maintain currency as dictated in 14 CFR Part 135.

Conduct training flights to enhance air operations, safety, efficiency, and coordination with other units, when assigned performs flight instructor training and safety duties. Maintains current knowledge of local geography and roadway networks. Ensures that a shift change briefing is conducted with the pilot going off duty, with medical personnel, and with the communications center.

These briefings will include, but are not limited to; aircraft status, interrupted flights, hazards map updates, forecast and current weather, medical interior issues, pending missions (PR's, training, medical), ride along, sterile cockpit, and any other pertinent information as appropriate. Completes all flight assignments in a safe and professional manner. The Pilot in Command is responsible for assuring that all crewmembers assigned to their aircraft make safety the number one priority in all activities.

Actively participates in the continuous improvement phase of BSOFRs Safety Management System (SMS). Submits 'Hazard/Incident Report' to Chief Pilot and Director of Operations. Report submission criteria include but are not limited to, diverting for weather, bird strikes, mechanical discrepancies, CRM conflicts, and all events regarding safety of flight.

Maintains positive customer relations. Performs basic life support first aid emergencies. Assists paramedics in patient care as directed.

Responsible for maintaining their qualifications in keeping with the requirements outlined in the FARs, the BSOFR Training Manual, and this General Operations Manual for their assigned position. To include but not limited to night currency IAW FAR 135.247 Performs related duties as directed, Aviation Life Support Equipment Officer, Safety Officer, Instructor Pilot, Check Airman, Chief Pilot, Director of Operations. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds)

May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects. Most tasks are performed in flight where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature of aerial operations, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with inclement weather, high wind speeds, and equipment stress.

Due to rotorcraft weight limitations, employee must not exceed a 220 pound weight limit with flight suit and boots. Some tasks include working around moving parts, light to moderate weight motor equipment, and materials handling where physical risks are predictable and/or controllable by observance of standard safety precautions. Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Recruitment Information Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks.

Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis. BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.

If you encounter issues with your application and need technical assistance, please contact Applicant Support (GovernmentJobs.com) from 9 am to 9 pm EST, Monday - Friday. You can reach them by phone at 855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. Once you successfully submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail

If you do not receive this e-mail, please contact Applicant Support for any inquiries.


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