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Freelance Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

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.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you'll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most. Bring your experience to the flight deck.

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ... 17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver. Two ...

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Freelance Air Tanker Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do freelance air tanker pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance air tanker 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 freelance air tanker pilot?

Freelance air tanker pilots are professional pilots who operate large aircraft designed to drop water or fire retardant on wildfires, but instead of being employed full-time by one agency or company, they work on a contract or per-assignment basis. They are typically hired by government agencies, private companies, or international organizations during wildfire seasons or emergency situations. These pilots must have specialized training in aerial firefighting, as well as significant experience flying large aircraft in challenging conditions. Their flexible, contract-based work allows them to support multiple organizations and respond to fires in different regions as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance air tanker pilot?

To thrive as a Freelance Air Tanker Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, significant flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with air tanker aircraft systems, GPS navigation, and aviation weather tools is essential, along with certifications such as the FAA Part 137 for agricultural operations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills are critical for coordinating with ground crews and adapting to rapidly changing fire conditions. These skills ensure operational safety, effective fire suppression, and reliable teamwork in hazardous and dynamic environments.

What are some unique challenges freelance air tanker pilots face compared to those employed full-time by an organization?

Freelance air tanker pilots often face fluctuating schedules, changing contract locations, and the need to quickly adapt to different aircraft, crews, and operating procedures. Unlike full-time pilots, freelancers must be highly self-sufficient in managing their certifications, maintaining readiness, and networking to secure assignments. Additionally, they may experience periods of downtime between contracts, so strong planning and flexibility are essential to succeed in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Freelance Air Tanker Pilot vs Commercial Air Pilot?

AspectFreelance Air Tanker PilotCommercial Air Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific firefighting or tanker endorsementsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentFirefighting missions, often seasonal, in remote or rugged areasScheduled flights, cargo, passenger transport, or charter services
Employer & IndustryIndependent contractors, firefighting agencies, or aerial firefighting companiesAirlines, charter companies, or cargo carriers

While both roles require a Commercial Pilot License, Freelance Air Tanker Pilots specialize in aerial firefighting, often working independently or for firefighting agencies. Commercial Air Pilots typically operate scheduled or charter flights in more regulated environments. The key difference lies in the work environment and specific endorsements needed for firefighting missions.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Air Tanker Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Air Tanker Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% 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.