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Full Time Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

Pilot Instr-Air Drop-FMS

WA · On-site

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 ...

FlightSafety International

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 ...

FlightSafety International

Pilot Instr-Air Drop-FMS

WA · On-site

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 ...

FlightSafety International

Pilot Instr-Air Drop-FMS

WA · On-site

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 ...

FlightSafety International

Pilot Instr-Air Drop-FMS

WA · On-site

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 ...

USAJOBS

AIR COMMANDER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR)

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$166K/yr

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force ... Must have been awarded or qualify for a USAF Command Pilot or USAF Command Navigator or USAF Master ...

Alpine Air

Floater Pilot - B1900

Provo, UT · On-site

$90K/yr

Job title Pilot; [31010 - Airplane Pilot] Job location Varies Reports to Chief Pilot Job purpose Alpine Air is currently seeking experienced full-time Captains to fly Beechcraft 99's for our flight ...

Alpine Air

Floater Pilot - B1900

Provo, UT · On-site

$90K/yr

Job title Pilot; [31010 - Airplane Pilot] Job location Varies Reports to Chief Pilot Job purpose Alpine Air is currently seeking experienced full-time Captains to fly Beechcraft 99's for our flight ...

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

Description Air New England is a dynamic and safety-focused Part 135 charter operator based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, seeking a skilled and experienced full-time pilot to join our growing team.

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All Jobsfull time JobsFull Time Air Tanker Pilot Jobs

Full Time Air Tanker Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do full time air tanker pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 full time air tanker pilot?

A Full Time Air Tanker Pilot is a professional aviator who operates specialized aircraft equipped to carry and drop large quantities of water or fire retardant over wildfires. These pilots play a critical role in wildfire suppression, working closely with ground crews to contain and control fires. Their job involves flying in challenging conditions, often at low altitudes and in remote locations. In addition to flying, they are responsible for pre-flight planning, safety checks, and maintaining communication with firefighting teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time air tanker pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Air Tanker Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, a commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with avionics, GPS navigation, and fire retardant delivery systems is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate. Strong situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this high-risk environment. These abilities are essential for safely and effectively executing complex firefighting missions in dynamic and hazardous conditions.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by full time air tanker pilots during wildfire season?

Full-time air tanker pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather, smoke-obscured visibility, and rugged terrain, making each mission highly dynamic and demanding. During wildfire season, pilots must remain vigilant for hazards such as strong updrafts, downdrafts, and other aircraft operating in close proximity. Effective communication with ground crews and other aerial units is crucial, as is the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Additionally, the role often involves extended periods away from home and irregular hours, especially during peak fire activity.

What is the difference between Full Time Air Tanker Pilot vs Part Time Air Tanker Pilot?

AspectFull Time Air Tanker PilotPart Time Air Tanker Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Tanker AircraftSame as full time, but may have less frequent training
Work EnvironmentSeasonal firefighting operations, full-time employmentOn-call basis, limited seasonal work
Employer & Industry UsageFirefighting companies, government agenciesSame as full time, often contracted or freelance

Full Time Air Tanker Pilots are employed year-round or seasonally with a consistent schedule, holding full certifications and working directly for firefighting agencies. Part Time Air Tanker Pilots operate on an on-call basis, often with similar certifications but with less regular hours and employment stability. Both roles require specialized skills and certifications, but differ mainly in work commitment and employment structure.

More about Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

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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 Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

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

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Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% 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.

Air Operations Squadron - Augmentee Senior Controller

BlueForce Inc

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

BlueForce Inc. is seeking for Augmentee Senior Controllers in support of the USAF Air Combat Command (HQ ACC)'s Air Operations Squadron at Langley AFB, VA.
Are you open to rotating shifts and working a few hours a month? Would you enjoy working up to 12 shifts over a three-month period? Are you a retired military pilot, fighter/tanker pilot, WSO, or navigator? If you have the technical expertise to ensure that military aircrew safely execute worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions, then this position is for you.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Ensure that military aircrew safely executes worldwide aircraft movement/air refueling missions.
  • Ensure mission execution requirements have been identified, coordinated, and finalized.
  • Ensure the Go/No Go mission checklist is completed, and timely and correct mission decisions are made prior to execution.
  • Oversee scheduling, preparing, tracking, and maintaining records on scheduled missions.
  • Develop a comprehensive training program that encompasses all aspects of government provided training objectives.
  • Complete the AOS closing checklist as required.
  • To cover MCC mission requirements in case of scheduled or unscheduled Senior Controller absences and/or during contingency operations.

  • Previous or current DoD Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 10 years of qualified experience as a military Pilot or Navigator or at least 10 years of qualified experience as a Technical Controller in the Mission Control Center.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Prior CORONET experience either as a delivery control officer or have participated in an overwater aircraft delivery as either a fighter or tanker crew member is highly desirable

Apply