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Helicopter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties. Responsibilities : Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot ...

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Saltville, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

San Angelo, TX ยท On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Emory, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Tazewell, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Galax, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Cedar Bluff, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Bluefield, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

San Angelo, TX ยท On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Tazewell, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

West Jefferson, NC ยท On-site

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

$88K - $97K/yr

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 Med ...

Helicopter Pilot

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

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 Med ...

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 Med ...

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 Med ...

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Showing results 1-20

Helicopter information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Helicopter vs Drone Pilot?

AspectHelicopterDrone Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft ratingRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAirports, construction sites, film sets, transportationOpen outdoor areas, urban settings, filming locations
Industry UsageAviation, transportation, emergency servicesPhotography, videography, surveying, inspection

Helicopter pilots operate manned aircraft requiring extensive training and certifications, often working in transportation or emergency services. Drone pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles with less certification, mainly for filming, surveying, or inspection tasks. While both roles involve flying, their work environments, certifications, and industry applications differ significantly.

What are some common challenges helicopter pilots face during daily operations?

Helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating complex airspace, and managing mechanical issues mid-flight. Additionally, they must stay alert for obstacles like power lines or tall buildings, especially during low-altitude operations. Effective communication and coordination with air traffic control and ground crews are essential to ensure safety and mission success. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols help pilots manage these challenges effectively.

Are helicopter pilots in high demand?

Helicopter pilots are in steady demand in industries such as emergency medical services, construction, and tourism. Employment opportunities often require commercial pilot certifications, flight hours, and specialized training, and demand can vary based on industry needs and geographic location.

Is it difficult to get a job as a helicopter pilot?

Becoming a helicopter pilot requires obtaining a commercial pilot license, which involves flight training, hours of experience, and passing written and practical exams. Job availability can be competitive and often depends on experience, certifications, and industry demand. Building a strong skill set and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can improve employment prospects.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with helicopter rating, strong flight training, and excellent navigation skills. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and adherence to FAA regulations are essential, and additional certifications like instrument rating can be advantageous. Excellent situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and effective communication stand out as crucial soft skills. These abilities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, precise flight operations, and effective responses to dynamic flight conditions.

What is a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter jobs fall into two major categories: flying and maintaining helicopters. As a pilot, your job is to fly the helicopter when and where it's needed. The specifics of this job vary by employer. For example, helicopter tourism involves showing off the local sights during tours, while air ambulances transport patients to hospitals as quickly and safely as possible. If you work on the maintenance team, your job is to repair problems and keep the helicopter in good condition whenever it's not in the air. Depending on the employer, you may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays. This is particularly true if you work in the government, military, or medical fields.

What cities are hiring for Helicopter jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter jobs are:
What states have the most Helicopter jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Helicopter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

$89K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties.
Responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot
Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned
Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft
PICs must ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign regulations, as well as the policies and procedures specified in the company operations manual
Providing excellent customer service
Complying with schedules and other directives governing the aircraft's operation
Ensuring the preflight inspection is completer before each departure
Ensures passengers have been briefed in accordance as per 14 CFR 135.117
Ensures that each flight is conducted in accordance with 14 CFR 135 or 91 as appropriate
Checking all applicable NOTAMs, studying weather conditions at destination, enroute, alternate airports and departure points
Preparing flight plans as appropriate
Ensuring that the aircraft is clean and prepared for flight
Ensuring that the aircraft is airworthy, duly registered and that all required documentation is on board the aircraft
Reviewing and calculating the aircraft weight and balance, fuel and oxygen requirements and performance charts
Using checklists and operating procedures noted in this manual
Making decisions necessary to start, delay, or cancel flights and deviate the flight from planned route or destination when operating conditions dictate
Notify authorities of any accident, suspected communicable disease, acts of unlawful interference, or landing at an airport other than planned or as caused by circumstances beyond the control of the PIC
Completing all post flight duties, including flight logs, deferred item sheet, notification to the company of any deviation from the planned itinerary or overnight location
When necessary, utilizes the authority to refuse transportation of any person or object if the carriage poses any risk to the safety of the aircraft or its occupants
Ensuring that he/she is current and qualified to operate the aircraft to which he/she is assigned. This includes, but is not limited to: training, testing, compliance with flight time restrictions and rest requirements, maintaining a current medical certificate as required and notifies the chief pilot if any medical (physical or mental) condition exists that may impair his/her ability to perform as a crewmember, and all other applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
Assists with cleaning of aircraft and work areas
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software, and internet software.
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and eight to ten years related experience and/or training; 2000 hours as a pilot; 1000 hours as a PIC, 250 hours cross country time; 250 hours at night un-aided; or equivalent combination of education and experience. NVG experience preferred.
Specialized Training:
  • Helicopter pilot training
  • Commercial helicopter training
  • Individual aircraft training

Certificates and Licenses:
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter, with instrument rating
  • FAA Class 2 Medical

Equipment:
  • Flight helmet
  • Flight suit
  • Black leather boots above ankle
  • Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
Ability to work with a diverse group of co-workers and customers
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.