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Helicopter Co Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OSF HealthCare

Air Ambulance Pilot SPIFR EC145

Peru, IL · On-site

$93.12 - $117.79/hr

Overview This position is responsible for the operation of helicopter. Maintains all standard ... Organizational skills necessary to coordinate services with co-workers, and other departments.

Rural Metro Fire Department

$107 - $117/hr

On Duty Housing * 7/7 Schedule If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation ...

Air Methods Pilots

$20K/mo

Must live in ID, UT, MT, CO, WY, ND, SD, NE, and IA or surrounding states** AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to ...

Robinson Helicopter Co

Technical Writer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$41 - $83/hr

... pilot and maintenance documentation. RHC Technical Publications provides critical information to Robinson Helicopter owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to ensure the airworthiness of our ...

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Helicopter Co Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do helicopter co pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter co pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter co pilot?

Helicopter co pilots are licensed pilots who assist the main pilot (captain) in operating a helicopter. Their duties include helping with navigation, communication, monitoring instruments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Co pilots often handle radio communication, assist with pre-flight and post-flight checks, and may take over the controls if needed. This position is crucial for multi-crew operations and serves as valuable experience for those aiming to become a captain in the future.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Co Pilot, you need strong flight training, a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft category, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and flight planning software is typically required, along with FAA certifications. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with the pilot-in-command and crew. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring flight safety, mission efficiency, and effective teamwork in demanding flight operations.

What are some common challenges faced by helicopter co pilots during multi-crew operations?

Helicopter co-pilots often face challenges related to effective communication and coordination with the pilot-in-command, especially during high-pressure situations such as search and rescue missions or complex aerial maneuvers. They must maintain situational awareness while managing navigation, radio communication, and assisting with flight controls. Balancing these responsibilities and adapting to the lead pilot's style requires strong teamwork and adaptability. Overcoming these challenges is essential for flight safety and contributes to developing the skills needed for advancement to pilot-in-command roles.

What is the difference between Helicopter Co Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectHelicopter Co PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft category, instrument ratingCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft category, instrument rating
Work EnvironmentAssists the pilot, operates aircraft under supervision, often in charter, rescue, or corporate settingsLeads flights, makes navigation and safety decisions, responsible for flight operation
Roles & ResponsibilitiesSupports the pilot, handles navigation, communication, and safety checksResponsible for flight planning, decision-making, and overall aircraft operation

The main difference between a Helicopter Co Pilot and a Helicopter Pilot lies in their roles and responsibilities. The co-pilot assists the pilot and operates under supervision, while the pilot is in charge of the flight. Both roles require similar certifications, but the pilot holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making.

Is 40 too late to become a helicopter co pilot?

Becoming a helicopter co-pilot at age 40 is possible, as many pilots start their training later in life. Key requirements include obtaining a commercial pilot license, accumulating flight hours, and passing medical exams, which can be achieved at various ages. Experience, skills, and certifications are often more important than age in this field.

Is there a demand for helicopter co pilots?

The demand for helicopter co-pilots is generally steady, especially in sectors such as emergency medical services, offshore oil support, and tourism. Job opportunities depend on industry needs, experience, and certifications like a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft ratings. As the aviation industry evolves, skilled co-pilots remain essential for safe and efficient operations.
Infographic showing various Helicopter Co Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Air Ambulance Pilot SPIFR EC145

OSF HealthCare

Peru, IL • On-site

$93.12 - $117.79/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Total Rewards

"Your life - our Mission"

OSF HealthCare is dedicated to provide Mission Partners with a comprehensive and market-competitive total rewards package that includes benefits, compensation, recognition and well-being offerings that focus on the whole person and engage with their current stage of life and career. Click here to learn more about benefits and the total rewards at OSF.

Expected pay for Commercial Instrument Pilot position is $93,122 - $109,554/year. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. This is a salaried position.

Expected pay for Unrestricted ATP position is $100,110 - $117,790/year. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. This is a salaried position.

**Sign on Bonus Eligible**

1 year- $10,000

**Pilot Housing Available!**

Overview

This position is responsible for the operation of helicopter. Maintains all standard procedures outlined in applicable FAA regulations and division policies. Responsible for determining flight routes, speed, and takeoff and landing times to fulfill scheduling requirements. Conducts flights in the safest manner possible.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • Meets and maintains qualifications of FAA Commercial Rotorcraft and FAA Instrument Rotorcraft Pilot.

Age requirement:

  • Maximum age 70 years.

Experience:

  • 2000 Hours Total time:
    • 1500 Hours Helicopter.
    • 1000 Hours Helicopter Pilot in Command (PIC).
    • 100 Hours Helicopter Night Unaided.
    • 75 Hours Instrument / Hood (50 helicopter in flight).
    • 500 Hours Cross Country.
    • 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter.

Licensure/ Certification:

  • FAA Commercial Rotorcraft
  • FAA Instrument Rotorcraft
  • Current FAA Second Class Medical

Other Skills/ Knowledge:

  • Meets and maintains qualifications of FAA Commercial Rotorcraft and FAA Instrument Rotorcraft Pilot.
  • Maintain maximum weight of 230 pounds.
  • Demonstrates effective team work between all divisions of Aviation to ensure excellence in care to population served.
  • Organizational skills necessary to coordinate services with co-workers, and other departments.
  • Communication skills necessary to respond to stressful situations in a calm and rational manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • Associate’s degree

Experience:

  • 2000 Hours Helicopter PIC.
  • EC-145 Experience.
  • NVG Experience.
  • Previous Civilian EMS Experience.
  • Previous SPIFR Experience.
  • Helicopter Multi-engine Experience.

OSF HealthCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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