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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Helicopter Rescue information

See Houston, TX salary details

$56.8K

$92.1K

$97.9K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Houston, TX is $92,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $94,100.00 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 in Houston, TX are:

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

Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,057 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard)

Cleveland, TX • On-site

Armada
Insurance Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Armadaexternal

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Type: Full Time

Location: NTTC Lackland/ San Antonio, Texas

Overtime Exempt: No

Reports To: ARMADA HQ

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) administers Navy Second Class Swimmer testing for designated Master‑at‑Arms students in accordance with NETC P1552/16 swim testing standards.
  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) conducts all poolside safety checks, verify facility readiness, ensure required safety equipment is present, and confirm communication capabilities.
  • Perform lifeguard duties during all swim testing events and evaluate students in accordance with Navy Swimming and Water Survival Instructor Manual guidelines.
  • Complete the Record of Swim Qualification and ensure accurate documentation of all results.
  • Coordinate with NTTC Lackland administrative staff to record successful or unsuccessful test completions in FLTMPS and in student service records.
  • Assist with scheduling pool access and work directly with NTTC and Joint Base San Antonio swimming facility personnel.
  • Deliver CPR instruction and support other non‑weapons training modules within MA "A" School after obtaining CUIT qualifications.
  • Ensure compliance with medical pre‑screening requirements, swimmer safety policies, and high‑risk training precautions.
  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) maintains all required certifications and ensures documentation is properly filed in the Instructor Training Jacket (ITJ).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Knowledge of Navy swim testing procedures, water survival standards, and CPR instruction requirements.
  • Ability to perform lifeguard duties, administer swim qualifications, and evaluate student safety and performance.
  • Strong understanding of aquatic safety practices, rescue procedures, and emergency response techniques.
  • Ability to coordinate with medical, administrative, and facility personnel to ensure compliance with screening, documentation, and reporting processes.
  • Strong communication skills for delivering CPR instruction and supporting training modules.
  • Ability to maintain physical readiness to perform water‑based rescue, testing, and instructional tasks.

Minimum/General Experience:

  • Possess current certification as a lifeguard. Lifeguard certification requires one of the following:
    • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
    • YMCA Lifeguard Training
    • Ellis and Associates Water Park Training
    • Possession of one of the following military qualifications:
      • Navy NEC 801A (Navy Rescue Swimmer – Surface)
      • Navy NEC O26A (Special Warfare Operator (SEAL))
      • Navy NEC 840A (Navy Scuba Diver)
      • Navy NEC O50A (Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) Candidate)
      • Navy NEC O52A (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC))
      • Navy NEC G02A (Helicopter Search and Rescue Aircrew Swimmer)
      • Navy NEC 806A (Aviation Water Survival Instructor)
      • Navy NEC 808A (Basic Swimming and Water Survival Instructor)
      • USMC MOS 0918 (Water Safety/Survival Instructor)
  • Possess current certification in Tier 2 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) (or TCCC Instructor/Trainer certification)
  • Possess current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Possess current certification as a CPR Instructor Certification

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Disclaimer:

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the contractor assigned to this position. Applying: If you feel you have the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position visit our careers page at www.armadausa.com.

Special Notes: Relocation is not available for these jobs.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. ARMADA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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