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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Helicopter Rescue information

See Minnesota salary details

$58.3K

$94.4K

$100.4K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Minnesota is $94,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,500.00 and $96,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Rescue jobs in Minnesota?

For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,412 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Rotor Wing Pilot

Life Link III

Alexandria, MN • On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Who Are We:
Life Link III is a premier, nationally recognized air medical transport company, known for our clinical excellence, superior aviation program and reliable response in providing care to critically ill or injured patients. Our priority is to do everything possible to give every patient their best chance for the best possible outcome - demonstrated by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients while on board safe, state-of-the-art aircraft. We continually focus on innovation and work to put cutting-edge technology and education in the hands of our flight medical crew, pilots, mechanics, operational control specialists and communication specialists so we can provide uncompromising care to the communities we serve. We do this work while living out our core values of safety, customer focus, excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying state-of-the-art aircraft to transport medical crews and patients to the care they need. You'll play a vital role in every mission, ensuring safe and professional flights while navigating complex aviation regulations and company procedures. In this position, you'll combine your expert piloting skills with a commitment to safety, teamwork, and making a real difference for patients and their families.
Your Impact:
  • Responsible for safety of passengers and crew, and oversees all flights accepted
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with flight crew, dispatch and partners
  • Actively shares flight knowledge with team members and serves as a resource to discuss transport, flight operations, and other work-related topics
  • Follows all regulations, manuals, and company policies during flights
  • Completes flight documentation accurately and promptly
  • Supervises loading of aircraft, refueling and ensures safe weight and balance
  • Adheres to proper Crew Resources Management (CRM) technique
  • Actively participates in the Life Link III Safety Management System
  • Responsible for pertinent information regarding all flights, including NOTAMs, TFRs, and weather information
  • Work cohesively as a unit to accomplish all Life Link III assignments including patient transfers
  • Responsible for maintaining qualifications as required in CFRs
  • Proactively pursues professional growth and supports the learning and development of others

Your Qualifications:
  • Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating for category and class of aircraft
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • 2000 total flight hours or meets CAMTS equivalency
  • 1500 hours Helicopter flight hours
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time
  • 200 hours of cross country
  • 50 hours of unaided night can be accepted with a minimum of 100 hours of aided night
  • 50 hours of hood or actual time instrument time in flight in category. (Simulator time does not count.) A pilot that is dual qualified in fixed wing with 100 hours of actual instrument time can reduce this requirement to 25 hours.
  • Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in HAA operations
  • Prior Search and Rescue Experience
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree

What We Offer:
  • Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage starting the first of the month following date of hire
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • 401k with employer match fully vested
  • Generous paid leave and paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance
  • Tuition/Training reimbursement program
  • 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule
  • Annual $100 boot reimbursement
  • Company use of aircraft to obtain ATP

Why Join Life Link III?
We are dedicated to making a difference. Our mission-driven culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll work alongside passionate professionals in a CAMTS accredited, award-winning program that is committed to improving patient outcomes all while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
Compliance/HIPAA:
Must perform work in the manner prescribed by documented work process in order to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, accreditation standards and laws that apply, specifically work processes that involve billing practices, for avoiding activities that constitute fraud and abuse.
Employment Status Requirements:
Life Link III does not sponsor employment visas of any kind. As a pre-condition of employment, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Life Link III is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and believe in providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our commitment to an equitable workplace extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and termination. We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and where all individuals can thrive professionally.
If you require any accommodations to apply or participate in our hiring process, please contact the Life Link III Human Resources team.