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Float Pilot Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Float Pilot information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$49.1K

$130K

$199.6K

How much do float pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for float pilot in Phoenix, AZ is $129,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $153,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a float pilot?

A float pilot is a licensed pilot who operates seaplanes or amphibious aircraft equipped with floats (pontoons) for landing and taking off on water. These pilots are specially trained to handle the unique challenges of water operations, including docking, beaching, and navigating varying water conditions. Float pilots often work in remote areas, transporting passengers, cargo, or providing aerial tours and survey services. Obtaining a floatplane rating requires additional training and certification beyond a standard pilot's license.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a float pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Float Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with a seaplane rating, strong navigation skills, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with aircraft such as floatplanes, GPS navigation systems, and weather interpretation tools is essential, and additional certifications like instrument rating can be valuable. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and strong communication skills are important for safely handling diverse flying conditions and interacting with passengers or crew. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability while operating in remote or challenging environments.

What are some common challenges float pilots face when operating in remote or rugged environments?

Float Pilots often encounter unique challenges such as unpredictable weather, limited navigation aids, and the need to land on unprepared or unfamiliar bodies of water. They must be adept at making quick decisions, performing thorough pre-flight checks, and adapting flight plans to changing conditions. Coordination with ground crews and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers are also crucial, especially when flying into isolated locations with minimal support infrastructure.

What is the difference between Float Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFloat PilotFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Second-Class MedicalCPR, First Aid, Customer Service Certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airports, maintenance areasPassenger cabins, airports, in-flight
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, charter servicesCommercial airlines, private jets

Float Pilots and Flight Attendants both operate within the aviation industry, but their roles differ significantly. Float Pilots are licensed pilots responsible for flying aircraft, requiring pilot certifications and technical skills. Flight Attendants focus on passenger safety and comfort, with certifications in first aid and customer service. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in aviation.

Infographic showing various Float Pilot job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,988 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Flight Nurse Float - South Central Region

Phoenix, AZ

Air Methods
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$89K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Air Methods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

****$30,000 SIGN ON BONUS****

This position covers the following states:

Arizona

New Mexico

Texas

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Florida 

Job Summary

Responsible for providing high quality care including assessment, triage, and treatment utilizing standards and guidelines established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Director(s). You’ll assess the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize the care needed for safe transport of the critical patient to the appropriate facility and are responsible for carrying out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS assuring that safety remains the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. This position supports multiple Clinical Flight Teams at bases in all regions where currently licensed

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Provides nursing care within his/her scope of practice from the initial contact until patient care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility; maintains thorough patient care documentation.
  • Maintains competency in knowledge and psychomotor skills by participating in ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences. Communicates educational needs to the Clinical Education Team. Maintains documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures and attends continuing education programs pertinent to his/her area of practice.
  • Knowledgeable in use and routine maintenance of all equipment and supplies used by Air Methods CBS. Responsible for reporting medical equipment failures and taking initial steps to insure repair of equipment as directed. Maintains adequate supplies onboard aircraft to deliver patient care. Keeps aircraft clean and orderly to insure rapid response to all transport requests.
  • Functions as a medical flight member by attending pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and completing necessary documentation. Assists in pre-mission liftoff checklist and assists pilot as requested, i.e., radio, navigational, and visual observation activities. Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical personnel, patient, and equipment and conducts aircraft safety briefings as needed.  
  • Serves as a flight resource to neonatal/pediatric personnel when transporting specialty patients by helicopter and performs advanced skills and procedures as approved by Air Methods CBS Medical Director(s).
  • Participates in patient and referring institution follow-up and in planned outreach marketing and education activities.
  • Acts as a preceptor and/or participates in orientation of new employees and students as assigned and communicates program goals and objectives
  • Participates regularly in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects and committees (to include research and publishing opportunities).
  • Other Duties as assigned

Additional Job Requirements

  • Maintains a high level of flexibility and availability to be scheduled for a minimum of two 24 hour shifts per week at any CBS base where currently licensed.  Schedules are provided by the Centralized Scheduling team 4 – 8 weeks in advance.  Self-scheduling is not permitted.  Inability to be scheduled for two shifts per week as a result of providing limited availability (less than 5 consecutive days per week), in the absence of requested benefit time, will result in a written warning for the first occurrence.  A second occurrence will result in a final written warning.  A third occurrence will result in removal from the float position.  If failure to meet the expectation for shift coverage is due to removal from a shift by Centralized Scheduling as a result of other coverage found, no disciplinary action will occur.
  • Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling - 85%

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position.  All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position

Education & Experience

  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
  • Bachelor's degree in health-related field preferred
  • Minimum three (3) years recent critical care/emergancy nursing experience within the last 5 years or as required by state/local EMS regulations
  • Pre-hospital experience preferred
  • Flight experience 1 year full-time required

Operation and Safety Requirements:

  •  As a member of the Clinical Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 225 pounds including empty flight suit and boots.

Skills

  • Skills as required to practice nursing as defined by assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director (s) and Medical Standards
  • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public while executing strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of collaboration at all levels
  • Demonstrates high critical thinking and reasoning skills and strong attention to detail while working in a fast paced environment that requires ability to prioritize and multi-task
  • Ability to work a flexible schrdule including 24 hour shifts, overtime and an on-call rotation
  • Dependable and self-motivated while working in a frequently changing environment
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal

Computer Skills

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Current RN License(s) for states of practice where Air Methods maintains CBS locations.  Nurse compact license preferred.
  • EMS or MICN certification/licensure as required by state regulations
  • Current certifications in Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR; ACLS; PALS or equivalent (AHA courses if state or county required) and TNCC/ITLS/PHTLS advanced provider (if state or county required)
  • Specialty certification (CFRN, CCRN, or CEN) are required 
  • Advanced Trauma Course requirement:  One (1) of the following certifications are acceptable: TNCC, ATLS/ATCN, TPATC or CAMTS approved advanced trauma course (Please note, advanced skills lab may be required for some of the above mentioned advanced trauma courses).  A second trauma course may be required based on state requirements
  • Current NRP certification
  • NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, 800 and HazMat

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.


USD $89,406.72/Yr.
USD $109,274.88/Yr.

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980