1

Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Flight Paramedic

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Maintains proficiency and evaluates risk/benefit of rescue operations in helicopter and ground rescue. * Directs/educates colleagues on medical and trauma scenes to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Flight Paramedic

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Maintains proficiency and evaluates risk/benefit of rescue operations in helicopter and ground rescue. Directs/educates colleagues on medical and trauma scenes to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Helicopter Rescue information

See Austin, TX salary details

$59K

$95.5K

$101.6K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Austin, TX is $95,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $97,600.00 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 Austin, TX?

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

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,550 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Flight Paramedic

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post hasย expired 3 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary: $90,033.00 Annually
Location : 7800 Old Manor Road, Austin, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-10816
Department: STAR Flight
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
STAR Flight paramedics provide medical care and transport to critically injured/ill patients, perform public-safety operations (search and rescue, aerial fire-fighting, law enforcement assistance) and promote education and safety throughout the STAR Flight response area.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a job classification within the Medical job family. Emergency operations require working under difficult conditions. Available to regularly work a rotating shift schedule of 12 hour day and night shifts and occasional 24 hour shifts. This classification requires a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assesses, plans treatment and administers care to critically injured/ill adult and pediatric patients.
  • Documents patient assessments, treatment plans and outcomes of patients.
  • Provides 100% quality assurance/improvement of patient care and documentation on all STAR Flight patients.
  • Performs aviation-related duties such as assisting with navigation, radio communication, obstacle/aircraft avoidance and coordination of landing zones and other flight-related duties as an assigned medical crew member, and as an employee performing safety-related duties.
  • Provides patient care follow-up for internal and external customers by consulting with hospital medical staff.
  • Represents STAR Flight at public relations events and educational in-services for Travis County and surrounding service area.
  • Maintains proficiency and evaluates risk/benefit of rescue operations in helicopter and ground rescue.
  • Directs/educates colleagues on medical and trauma scenes to achieve maximum effectiveness.
  • Maintains mission readiness by daily inspection of personal and helicopter medical and rescue equipment as well as studying medical and rescue information.
  • Completes special projects as assigned, including preparing educational in-services, researching new medical equipment, rescue equipment, development of STAR Flight-specific protocols for medical and rescue environment.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
Completion of thirty (30) semester hours of college AND five (5) years as a full-time Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider. One (1) additional year experience as specified above may substitute for the required college course work;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Texas Department of State Health Services Paramedic Certification or Licensure; OR,
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.
Current Certification Basic Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Current Certification Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (or equivalent).
Letter of support from Medical Director(s) or direct supervisor.
Must meet minimum physical fitness requirements established by Travis County for the STAR Flight Program.
Subject to the STAR Flight mandated Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program.
Drug and alcohol testing shall be conducted as part of the pre-employment process for all applicants.
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Flight Paramedic - Certified required within two years of employment.
Preferred:
Previous rotor or fixed-wing flight experience.
Critical Care experience.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (or equivalent).
Advanced Trauma Life Support/TPATC
Neonatal Resuscitation Program.
Current Flight Paramedic Certified.
Training in and understanding of Incident Command principles.
Demonstrated proficiency in Low to High Angle and Swift Water Rescue techniques.
Helicopter rescue experience.
Bilingual oral proficiency in English/Spanish.
Knowledge of:
  • Appropriate response to emergency situations.
  • Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
  • Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules and regulations, codes and guidelines.
  • State and Federal regulatory or administrative requirements and practices.
  • Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
  • Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
  • May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:
  • Meeting emergencies.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:
  • Demonstrate the principles and practices of pre-hospital emergency medical care.
  • Direct colleagues on medical and trauma scenes to achieve maximum group effectiveness.
  • Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills while working in a stressful environment.
  • Provide service that meets the values, vision and customer service commitment of the STAR Flight program.
  • Demonstrate the principles and practices of technical rescue in swiftwater, low-to-high angle and helicopter rescue environments.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with regional pre-hospital and hospital care providers.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Emergency Medical System (EMS) first responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, nurses, physicians and other ancillary personnel, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include meeting physical ability/strength standards outlined above. Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. Based on aircraft weight limitation employees in these positions should maintain a maximum body weight of 220 pounds. Must be available to work in inclement weather. Subject to contact with dust, dangerous machinery, noise, fumes, potential harm, vibration, communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: Crew members work a rotating schedule of 12 or 24-hour shifts. This includes some holidays and weekends.
Schedules are subject to change based on aircraft availability and county needs.
Location: 7800 Old Manor Rd Austin, TX 78724
Department: STAR Flight
Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test
For updates or questions on this position, contact:
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Benefits
Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.
FY2026 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union
Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program
Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations
Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic
Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays
An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance
Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D
  • Dependent Life
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Long Term Care

New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity
Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking
A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays
Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.
Retirement
Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave
Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental Leave
Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition Refund
Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation
Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.
Workers' Compensation
The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.