La Grande, OR · On-site
$85K - $106K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
We... Firehawk Helicopters has openings for S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk SIC/co-pilot positions. This is a full time position with a 12/12 schedule. Competitive Pay and Benefits with profit sharing/401K ...
La Grande, OR · On-site
$85K - $106K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
We... Firehawk Helicopters has openings for S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk SIC/co-pilot positions. This is a full time position with a 12/12 schedule. Competitive Pay and Benefits with profit sharing/401K ...
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$91K - $114K/yr
PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ...
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$91K - $114K/yr
PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other ... Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate with Instrument (Helicopter) rating * 3,000+ total rotary ...
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
Helicopter Pilot - S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk Firefighting Operations McMinnville, OR | Full-Time | Relocation Assistance Available Join a growing aviation team supporting critical aerial firefighting ...
Quick apply
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
Helicopter Pilot - S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk Firefighting Operations McMinnville, OR | Full-Time | Relocation Assistance Available Join a growing aviation team supporting critical aerial firefighting ...
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
$108K - $162K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
Medical
Retirement
... aerial firefighting, crew/equipment transport, reconnaissance, medical rescue, disaster mitigation and related activities; maintains pilot flight logs and records; performs minor repairs and ...
Buena Park, CA · On-site
$122K - $164K/yr
Medical
Retirement
... 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 ...
Santa Barbara, CA · On-site
$54.51 - $65.99/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Examples of mission responses include, but are not limited to, wildland firefighting missions ... Pilots are responsible for safe operations of aircraft and teamed up with an experienced Crew Chief ...
Santa Barbara, CA · On-site
$54.51 - $65.99/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Examples of mission responses include, but are not limited to, wildland firefighting missions ... Pilots are responsible for safe operations of aircraft and teamed up with an experienced Crew Chief ...
Louisville, KY · On-site
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 ...
Louisville, KY · On-site
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 ...
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$109 - $163/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
New
Mcminnville, OR · On-site
$109 - $163/hr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
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 ...
New
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
... firefighting helicopters, air tankers, lead planes, news media helicopters, as well as general aviation and military aircraft. Required Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Flight Hours * At least 500 hours of ...
New
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
... firefighting helicopters, air tankers, lead planes, news media helicopters, as well as general aviation and military aircraft. Required Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Flight Hours * At least 500 hours of ...
New
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
... firefighting helicopters, air tankers, lead planes, news media helicopters, as well as general aviation and military aircraft. Required Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Flight Hours * At least 500 hours of ...
New
Santa Rosa, CA · On-site
$7.9K - $10K/mo
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
... firefighting helicopters, air tankers, lead planes, news media helicopters, as well as general aviation and military aircraft. Required Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Flight Hours * At least 500 hours of ...
New
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
The 107 Command Pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the Columbia Model 107 Chinook ... Aerial firefighting experience . * Long-line operational experience . * Ability to work ...
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
PTO
The 107 Command Pilot serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the Columbia Model 107 Chinook ... Aerial firefighting experience . * Long-line operational experience . * Ability to work ...
London, KY · On-site
$100K/yr
Medical
This opportunity is ideal for experienced helicopter pilots who thrive in high-pressure ... Rotorcraft Operations - Helicopter EMS, utility, offshore, firefighting, and government aviation.
Quick apply
London, KY · On-site
$100K/yr
Medical
This opportunity is ideal for experienced helicopter pilots who thrive in high-pressure ... Rotorcraft Operations - Helicopter EMS, utility, offshore, firefighting, and government aviation.
Billings, MT · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Billings, MT · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Billings, MT · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Quick apply
Billings, MT · On-site
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement
Summary The Pilot-In-Command reports directly to the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot and is ... USFS Aerial Firefighting experience in Helicopters * Maintain a Second-Class Medical. * Type Rated ...
Point Pleasant, WV · On-site
Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems. * Always ...
Point Pleasant, WV · On-site
Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems. * Always ...
Pittsburgh, PA · Remote
Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems. * Always ...
Pittsburgh, PA · Remote
Trip Pilots are primarily responsible for the safety of vessel employees, the vessel, cargo and the ... Verify serviceability of lifesaving equipment, fire detection, and firefighting systems. * Always ...
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
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.
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.
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.
Cities with the most Firefighting Pilot job openings:
The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs are:
States with the most job openings for Firefighting Pilot jobs include:
The top searched job categories for Firefighting Pilot jobs are:
$85K - $106K/yr
Other
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Posted 17 days ago
OAS Carded S70/H602500 hours PIC in helicopters.100 hours PIC in helicopters preceding 12 months100 hours in type100 hours in weight classFire fighting experience
Job DescriptionColumbia Basin Helicopters currently has H60 PIC positions available for the 2026 fire season.
CBH operates UH60L and UH-1 Airframes.
Seasonal, and full time positions available.
Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits after 30 days of employment, as well as dental, and vision.
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.
BlueSky Helicopters in Los Angeles currently has a PIC position open for our H60 fire/utility contracts. The company operates H-60L, A+, AS350 and Bell 407 airframes. Aircraft are based in the Los Angeles area. Living in Los Angeles is not mandatory, but is preferred. We offer a competitive full-time compensation...
Vertical Reference ( Long Line) lift work Crew transport Power line patrol Wildland Fire Suppression And various other mountain helicopter operations. Central Copters, Inc. is an FAA approved Air Carrier (FAR Part 135), Certified External Load Operator (FAR Part 133), and contracted with the USFS for Wildland Fire Suppression. We...
Firehawk Helicopters has openings for S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk SIC/co-pilot positions. This is a full time position with a 12/12 schedule. Competitive Pay and Benefits with profit sharing/401K, extended, travel, lodging, per diem, as well as health Insurance. Applicant can live anywhere in lower 48, must be within 90 minutes of...
