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Full Time Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Blytheville, AR · On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $230,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Kirksville, MO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $220,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

De Queen, AR · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Logan, WV · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Harrisburg, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Louisiana, MO · On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $220,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AIRPLANE PILOT

IL · On-site +1

$131K - $171K/yr

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force ... DUTY 3: Performs pilot and pilot in command duties in assigned aircraft and provides a full range ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Corbin, KY · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $225,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Woodward, OK · On-site

$77K - $96K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity $245,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter. Pilot ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Fayetteville, GA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity Pilot Incentives * $106,511 - $117,162 including 20% Geo Modifier ... Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping * Effectively ...

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Air Tanker Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Sep 4, 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?

Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:

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.

AEL Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Air Evac Lifeteam

Prestonsburg, KY • On-site

$96K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity

$220,000 Total Potential. 7/7. Missions that matter.

Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response:

  • Potential to earn up to $85,000 bonus
  • Up to half the year at home 
  • On duty housing
  • Saving lives in HAA/HEMS

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today!

We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to Air Evac Lifeteam's customers. Safety is a key pillar of our services.

Responsibilities

  • Working with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and Air Evac Lifeteam requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate Air Evac Lifeteam and regulatory documentation and record keeping
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners
  • Provide shift change info to successive pilot and team following protocol for recording Air Evac Lifeteam change board details
  • Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training

MinimumRequirements

  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate
  • Helicopter instrument rating
  • Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours
  • 1,500 Helicopter Hours
  • 500 Helicopter PIC Hours
  • 1,000 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • 100 Helicopter Night Flight Hours (Aided or Unaided)
  • 230 lb Weight Limit (including flight gear)

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

  • B206 Aircraft Experience 
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher
  • Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

          

 

Why Choose Air Evac Lifeteam? As a leader in air medical care, Air Evac Lifeteam  is one of Global Medical Response's (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com.

GMR's Core Behaviors - keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable-unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services.

Pay range potential - $125,260 - $137,789 and bonus eligible

EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

More Information about this Job

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME