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Helicopter Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of San Diego, CA

Helicopter Mechanic

San Diego, CA · On-site

$101K - $122K/yr

AG-T11875-202608 Business Area: 1912 - Fire-Rescue Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: 8/31/2026 ... Helicopter Mechanic positions perform skilled and technical work including inspecting, repairing ...

City of San Diego

Helicopter Mechanic

San Diego, CA

$101K - $122K/yr

... rescue hoists, fire fighting tank and hover fill system, and forward looking infrared camera system (FLIR); perform engine compressor washing in accordance with engine manufacturers' maintenance ...

Army National Guard Units

HELICOPTER PILOT

Gulfport, MS · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when ... Participates in all-weather search and rescue operations as required utilizing a thorough knowledge ...

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 ...

Army National Guard Units

HELICOPTER PILOT

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$123K - $161K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help As a HELICOPTER PILOT (GS-2181-12), you will pilot a ... search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or ...

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Helicopter Rescue information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 is a helicopter rescue?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter rescue specialist?

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.

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 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.

How much do helicopter rescue personnel make?

Helicopter rescue personnel, such as rescue pilots and crew members, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher salaries, especially in emergency response or military settings.

What qualifications do you need to work on helicopter rescues?

To work in helicopter rescue, candidates typically need emergency medical training such as EMT or paramedic certification, along with specialized rescue training. Pilots require a commercial helicopter pilot license, and rescue personnel often need physical fitness, strong teamwork skills, and experience in high-stress environments.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Aviation Maintenance Technician

Elizabeth City, NC • On-site

United States Coast Guard
National Security and International Affairs

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 49 rated military and defense

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about United States Coast Guardexternal

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

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
United States Coast Guard logo

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

View All United States Coast Guard Jobs

What United States Coast Guard employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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