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Firefighting Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PJ Helicopters is a family-run, world-class precision helicopter lift service operating nationwide ... We take great pride in hiring the most talented and professional pilots. PJ Helicopters, Inc. has ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 6, 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 57% In-person, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
UH-60 Firefighting Pilot

$140K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 78 rated construction


Job description

PJ Helicopters is a family-run, world-class precision helicopter lift service operating nationwide. Since 1970, PJ Helicopters has earned a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering safe, reliable, and efficient aerial solutions for its customers.

With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH primarily supports the utility, forestry, and construction industries. Our operations are built on three core pillars: world-class equipment, highly skilled and experienced personnel, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. From project planning through execution, PJ Helicopters works closely with clients to ensure missions are performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standard.


PJ Helicopters is seeking experienced candidates for UH-60 Fire Fighting PIC positions flying in support of Fire Suppression, for the 2026 fire season. Seasonal or Full-time permanent positions available.

PJH is known for our state-of-the art helicopter external load capabilities. We have established ourselves as an industry leader in safe and successful missions. We take great pride in hiring the most talented and professional pilots.

PJ Helicopters, Inc. has been an aviation industry leader throughout the United States for over 50 years. Industries supported include utility, forestry, construction, defense, charter, and many more. Employees at PJH have access to over 40 airframes from a range of manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Bell, Sikorsky, Pilatus, Cessna, etc. From flying an 407 in the utility wire environment, drill support in an AS350, to precision external load in a UH-60, it’s our diverse fleet, wide range of customers, and opportunities for advancement that contribute to an overall great work environment.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive insurance benefits package after 30 days of employment with PPO and HSA options, as well as dental, vision, life insurance, and other ancillary policies. Full-time employees are eligible for 401k Program with Employer-Matching, Vacation, Holiday Pay Upon Hire, California Overtime rules, and more. The PJH base in Red Bluff, CA encompasses 100,000+ sq. feet of operations and maintenance hangars, including an employee fitness center.

Our facility is located 1.5 hours north of Sacramento, and 30 minutes south of Redding, CA, both commercial airline destinations. PJH fulfills multiple contracts annually throughout the United States with concentration in the Western US.

Seasonal positions are available and those that are hired on with the qualifications (or obtain the qualifications during their initial assignment) may advance to full-time status and would be eligible for the benefits package above. We encourage you to learn more about us at www.PJHELICOPTERS.com where you can find and submit our standard application.


Qualified candidates include those with experience flying safely in the Fire Fighting environment and experience in the UH-60/S-70. Only applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be considered.


· Type rating in the S-70/UH-60

· PIC time in UH-60: 100Hrs

· PIC time: 2500 hrs.

· VR time: 10 hrs.

· Fire Fighting experience (preferred).

· Fire Fighting Tank experience (preferred).

· USFS/DOI carded or meet carding minimums.

· Must have knowledge in CFR 133 /137.

· Relocation (not required for qualified individuals).

· 2/2 schedule offering (for qualified individuals).

Only applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed.


· Medical

· Dental

· Vision

· 401k


The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $150,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


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