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Helicopter Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

... rescue, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. May be required to transport ... This announcement is for an AH64E HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR (Title 32). Applicants ...

US Department of the Army

$131K/yr

This announcement is for an AH64E HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR. Applicants must be ... search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or ...

Kern County, CA

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

... rescue, vertical reference operations over mountainous or forested areas, or comparable fire service or military operations. Desired Helicopter Flight Experience * Certified Flight Instructor with ...

Kern County

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

... rescue, vertical reference operations over mountainous or forested areas, or comparable fire service or military operations. Desired Helicopter Flight Experience Certified Flight Instructor with ...

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Helicopter Rescue information

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$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do helicopter rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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 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 Are Helicopter Rescue Jobs?

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 helicopter rescue workers?

Helicopter rescue workers are trained professionals who use helicopters to perform emergency rescue operations, often in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations. They may be paramedics, pilots, or specialized crew members responsible for reaching people in distress, such as those stranded by natural disasters, accidents, or medical emergencies. Their duties include flying to the scene, providing medical care, and safely transporting individuals to safety or medical facilities. These workers undergo rigorous training in both aviation and emergency response to handle a wide range of challenging scenarios. Helicopter rescue missions are critical for saving lives when traditional ground-based rescues are not possible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Helicopter Rescue Specialist, and why are they important?

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.
More about Helicopter Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Rescue jobs are:
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Helicopter Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR

US Department of the Army

Salina, KS

$131K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

United States Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 481 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR, Position Description Number D2460P01and is part of the KS AASF 2, National Guard.

Qualifications:

Military Grades: CW-2 through CW-4
Compatible Military Assignments: Branch 15 - Aviation
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from accredited civilian aviation program or have an aviation certifications from accredited military aviation school. Must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Must be current UH-60 A/L/M Instructor Pilot or Aviation Mission Survivability Officer.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have a working experience in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced in the 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.

Education:

Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Certificate for Instructor Pilot Course: AR-95-1/TC 3-04.11 and/or Aviation Mission Survivability Officer Course: TC 3-04.9/TC 3-04.11
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

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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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