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Helicopter Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

FL · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

Helicopter Pilot Responsibilities: * Operates agency helicopter during law enforcement, emergency ... Supports search and rescue operations involving missing persons, fleeing suspects, maritime ...

DC Government Careers

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

The purpose of this position is to operate a helicopter in the performance and support of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring and reporting as well as the timely ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... helicopter accessory equipment, including fixed water tank, hydraulic snorkel, external water bucket, sling loads, and rescue hoist Reviewing and maintaining written and computerized flight logs and ...

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Helicopter Rescue information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue 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 are some common challenges faced by helicopter rescue professionals during emergency missions?

Helicopter rescue professionals often encounter rapidly changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, and the need to make quick, critical decisions under pressure. Working as part of a tightly coordinated team, they must communicate effectively with pilots, medical staff, and ground teams to ensure a successful rescue. Physical and mental stamina are crucial, as missions can be unpredictable and require long hours. Continuous training and adaptability help professionals overcome these challenges and maintain safety for both the rescue team and those being assisted.

What Are Helicopter Rescue Jobs?

As a helicopter rescue pilot, your job is to help provide emergency services in response to sudden needs. In this role, you may keep your helicopter ready to head out on a flight, coordinate with emergency rescuers, and perform various airborne tasks as needed. This job particularly focuses on search and rescue operations, such as finding and recovering people who are lost in the wilderness. Pilots do not provide medical care for rescued passengers, but other personnel onboard might. Related jobs include flight crew, paramedic, or maintenance positions. Helicopter rescue jobs should not be confused with air ambulance jobs. While you may deliver people to hospitals, this job does not always involve rescuing sick or injured passengers and may involve flying into dangerous situations.

What is the difference between Helicopter Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectHelicopter RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFAA helicopter pilot license, rescue trainingFirst aid, CPR, rescue operations training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter, outdoor, remote locationsGround-based, varied terrains
Employer & IndustryRescue agencies, emergency servicesFire departments, rescue teams

Helicopter Rescue involves operating helicopters to perform aerial rescues, often requiring pilot licenses and specialized rescue training. Search and Rescue Technicians typically work on the ground, conducting search operations and providing emergency aid. While both roles focus on saving lives, Helicopter Rescue emphasizes aerial operations, whereas Search and Rescue Technicians are ground-based responders.

What are helicopter rescue workers?

Helicopter rescue workers are trained professionals who use helicopters to perform emergency rescue operations, often in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations. They may be paramedics, pilots, or specialized crew members responsible for reaching people in distress, such as those stranded by natural disasters, accidents, or medical emergencies. Their duties include flying to the scene, providing medical care, and safely transporting individuals to safety or medical facilities. These workers undergo rigorous training in both aviation and emergency response to handle a wide range of challenging scenarios. Helicopter rescue missions are critical for saving lives when traditional ground-based rescues are not possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of search and rescue operations, aviation safety, and emergency medical response, typically supported by certifications such as EMT or paramedic and specialized rescue training. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication tools, winching equipment, and survival gear is essential. Exceptional decision-making skills, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, efficient rescues and optimal outcomes in challenging and often life-threatening environments.
More about Helicopter Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Helicopter Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs are:
Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 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.
Aviation Maintenance Technician

Aviation Maintenance Technician

United States Coast Guard

Elizabeth City, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

United States Coast Guard rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Are You...
  • Excited to fly?
  • Able to meet aircrew physical standards, including vision?
  • Good at practical math problems?
  • Interested in mechanical systems?

Skills You'll Learn
Aircraft mechanical repair
Aircraft structural repair
Aircrew flight operations
Training You'll Get
  • AMTs receive 20 weeks of blended on-the-job training at one of 26 Coast Guard air stations, in addition to in-class training at the Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, NC. You will learn about aircraft systems, metal work, composite repair, electrical theory and troubleshooting, and paint applications.
  • Advanced composite repair, aircraft systems, and airframe specific training, as well as advanced training in helicopter rescue operations.
  • Both full-time and part-time Coast Guard-funded educational opportunities leading to an associate or bachelor's degree or higher may be available. Specifically, the Aviation Technology program is available to the AMT rating.

Related Civilian Jobs
  • Airline Maintenance Supervisor
  • FAA Certified Aircraft Mechanic or Aircraft Inspector Authorization
  • Aviation Instructor
  • Aircraft Ground Handler
  • Flight Engineer
  • Helicopter Rescue Hoist Operator

What United States Coast Guard employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About United States Coast Guard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces situated in Washington, DC, US. As part of its key mission, it is responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship. Founded on August 4, 1790, it is one of the country's oldest organizations in continuous service. The USCG offers a service portfolio that includes maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, maritime environmental protection, and defense readiness. The USCG's core values include Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. The mission statement of the USCG is to protect the maritime interests of the United States and ensure the nation's maritime economy.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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