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Helicopter Rescue Jobs in Sacramento, CA (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Clay, CA

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 ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Davis, CA

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 ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Dixon, CA

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 ...

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All JobsHelicopter Rescue JobsHelicopter Rescue Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Helicopter Rescue information

See Sacramento, CA salary details

$60.3K

$97.7K

$103.9K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter rescue in Sacramento, CA is $97,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,800.00 and $99,800.00 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 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 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 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 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. A valid pilot's license or experience in aviation rescue operations is often required, and physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging environments are essential.
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For Helicopter Rescue jobs in Sacramento, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Rescue jobs in Sacramento, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Rescue jobs in Sacramento, CA are:

What cities near Sacramento, CA are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs?

Cities near Sacramento, CA with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:

Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in Sacramento, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,123 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE)

US Department of the Army

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 491 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE) position, is eligible to be used at an Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) or any Army Aviation Facility where the requirement is deemed appropriate by the Facility Supervisor/State Army Aviation Officerand is part of the CA 1106 TASMG.

Qualifications:General Experience: Minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level; Have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facility; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Group
HELICOPTER PILOT (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2181-12: Must have at least one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level and have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation; Experience reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information; Experience filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings; Experience with aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments; Experience performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance; Experience conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks; Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders; Experience with flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures; Experience with unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Flight Systems
  • Mission Execution
  • Operation and Control
  • Tests and Measurement
Education:Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school.
Must provide Flight Records. Failure to provide will result in automatic disqualification.
When there is a positive education or certification requirement, or you are using education to qualify as a substitution for experience, copies of transcripts (unofficial) and/or certificates are required at the time of application to verify that you meet the educational/certification requirement or substitution. Failure to provide transcripts and/or certificates at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Army

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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