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Helicopter Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Helicopter information

See Alaska salary details

$64.1K

$103.8K

$110.4K

How much do helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter in Alaska is $103,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter jobs fall into two major categories: flying and maintaining helicopters. As a pilot, your job is to fly the helicopter when and where it's needed. The specifics of this job vary by employer. For example, helicopter tourism involves showing off the local sights during tours, while air ambulances transport patients to hospitals as quickly and safely as possible. If you work on the maintenance team, your job is to repair problems and keep the helicopter in good condition whenever it's not in the air. Depending on the employer, you may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays. This is particularly true if you work in the government, military, or medical fields.

What are some common challenges helicopter pilots face during daily operations?

Helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating complex airspace, and managing mechanical issues mid-flight. Additionally, they must stay alert for obstacles like power lines or tall buildings, especially during low-altitude operations. Effective communication and coordination with air traffic control and ground crews are essential to ensure safety and mission success. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols help pilots manage these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license with helicopter rating, strong flight training, and excellent navigation skills. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and adherence to FAA regulations are essential, and additional certifications like instrument rating can be advantageous. Excellent situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and effective communication stand out as crucial soft skills. These abilities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, precise flight operations, and effective responses to dynamic flight conditions.

What is the difference between Helicopter vs Drone Pilot?

AspectHelicopterDrone Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft ratingRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAirports, construction sites, film sets, transportationOpen outdoor areas, urban settings, filming locations
Industry UsageAviation, transportation, emergency servicesPhotography, videography, surveying, inspection

Helicopter pilots operate manned aircraft requiring extensive training and certifications, often working in transportation or emergency services. Drone pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles with less certification, mainly for filming, surveying, or inspection tasks. While both roles involve flying, their work environments, certifications, and industry applications differ significantly.

Are helicopter pilots in high demand?

Helicopter pilots are in steady demand in industries such as emergency medical services, construction, and transportation, especially in remote or inaccessible areas. Job opportunities often require commercial pilot certifications, flight hours, and specialized training, with demand influenced by industry growth and regional needs.

Is it difficult to get a job as a helicopter pilot?

Becoming a helicopter pilot requires obtaining a commercial pilot license, which involves flight training, hours of experience, and passing written and practical exams. Job availability can be competitive and often depends on experience, certifications, and industry demand. Building a strong skill set and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can improve employment prospects.

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Helicopter jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Helicopter job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $103,814 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Helicopter Manager)

Anchorage, AK • On-site, Remote


Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 295 rated public sector bodies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$67K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position manages permanent and temporary helibases, provides contract administration for, and plans and directs helicopter operations in support of, prescribed fire, fire suppression, emergency incidents and resource management functions.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for Regional Contacts.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-09 level.
  • Plans, coordinates, and directs aviation support or helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.
  • Assesses readiness to meet short-term project and emergency needs. Orders personnel equipment and supplies; directs and monitors aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management.
  • Acts as Contracting Officer Representative and effectively administers aircraft contracts, recommends contract language changes to the Contracting officer, and completes related reports, records, and payment documents.
  • Participates in Forest, Regional and National planning committees related to helicopter operational policies and procedures.
  • Plans helicopter budget, including supplies, equipment, training, and personnel necessary for safe and efficient helicopter operation.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience: Provided input into long range and broad planning efforts to comply with USDA Forest Service policies, procedures, and objectives. Assessed readiness to meet short term project and emergency needs. Recommended forest aviation needs; ordered personnel, equipment, and supplies; directed and monitored aviation activities related to prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management. Completed and maintained reports and records for helicopter use.
For the GW-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service; OR two full years (36 semester/ 54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/ 27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience: Assisted in administering aircraft contracts, contract language changes, and in completing related reports, records, and payment documents. Assisted in planning and coordinating aviation support and helicopter personnel in support of prescribed fire, fire suppression and resource management. Participated as an instructor or coordinator of fire aviation training programs.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 4: Intermountain Region - Bradley Bugger at bradley.bugger@usda.gov
Region 8: Southern Region - Russ Marchion at russell.marchion@usda.gov
Region 10: Alaska Region - Shalyn Whitson shalyn.whitson@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Forest Service daycare facilities may be available.
Government Housing may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


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