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Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation ...

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

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 ...

About Coulson Aviation Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Aerial firefighting (day and night operations) * Ferry and repositioning flights * Reconnaissance (day and night operations) * Emergency response and disaster mitigation * Pilots are expected to ...

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 ...

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 ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the ...

Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment. * Participate in all ... Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the ...

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as an Aircraft Pilot This is a professional ASEL firefighting career. The candidate will be required to operate a Cessna 182 flying under ...

Aircraft Pilot 1-2

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.1K - $9.2K/mo

This is a professional ASEL firefighting career. The candidate will be required to operate a Cessna 182 flying under visual (day & night) and instrument flight rules per the FAA's Commercial Pilot ...

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Firefighting Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting 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 is a firefighting pilot?

A Firefighting Pilot operates specialized aircraft to combat wildfires by dropping water or fire retardant on flames and creating containment lines. They work closely with ground crews and emergency responders to suppress fires and protect lives, property, and natural resources. These pilots fly in challenging conditions, including low visibility, turbulent air, and high heat. Extensive flight training, aerial firefighting certification, and experience in low-altitude operations are typically required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a firefighting pilot?

To thrive as a Firefighting Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive hours of flight experience (especially in challenging weather and low-visibility conditions), and a valid commercial pilot’s license with the required ratings. Familiarity with specialized firefighting aircraft, GPS navigation, and communication systems is essential, as is certification in aerial firefighting operations. Critical thinking, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for making quick decisions in dynamic and hazardous environments. These skills and qualifications ensure mission safety, successful coordination with ground crews, and the effective containment of wildfires.

What challenges do firefighting pilots face during wildfire season?

Firefighting Pilots often contend with rapidly changing weather conditions, unpredictable fire behavior, and limited visibility due to smoke, which can make every flight uniquely challenging. Missions require precise maneuvers at low altitudes, as well as close coordination with ground crews and other aircraft to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety. The job also involves extended hours during peak wildfire season, with possible deployments to remote or rugged locations. Adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety are essential for navigating these challenges and successfully supporting firefighting operations.

More about Firefighting Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Firefighting Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Firefighting Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighting Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Firefighting Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Firefighting Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Firefighting Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Aero-Flite, Inc.

Spokane, WA • On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The mission of Aero-Flite is to provide exceptional firefighting aircraft and customer service in support of our ground firefighting partners. Our vision is to continually strive to improve our safety and service while offering greater value to our partner agencies.
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 RJ85 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 - RJ85
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.
Aero-Flite is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Aero-Flite is a Federal Contractor, we adhere to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, to include testing for THC.