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Helicopter Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Applicants must possess a Helicopter Commercial/Instrument Certificate and meet minimum OAS/AMD requirements, which includes 400 hours of experience flying in mountain/rough terrain (above 5000' DA ...

Applicants must possess a Helicopter Commercial/Instrument Certificate and meet minimum OAS/AMD requirements, which includes 400 hours of experience flying in mountain/rough terrain (above 5000' DA ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

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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 10, 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 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.

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.

Are helicopter pilots in high demand?

Helicopter pilots are in steady demand in industries such as emergency medical services, construction, and tourism. Employment opportunities often require commercial pilot certifications, flight hours, and specialized training, and demand can vary based on industry needs and geographic location.

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 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 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 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 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,814 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot with Security Clearance

Department of Defense

Anchorage, AK โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Duties * GS-12: Operate aircraft as a fully qualified, mission-ready pilot in unit type aircraft. * GS-12: Accomplish mission planning and briefing, aircraft inspections and checklists, mission forms and other associated documentation. * GS-12: Represent the unit by participating in discussions, meetings or serves on panels or committees. * GS-13 (Pilot): Conduct training for the upgrade of unqualified active duty and/or Reserve aircrew members and proficiency training for qualified Active Duty, Reservists and Air Reserve Technician (ART) personnel. * GS-13 (Pilot): Analyze and interpret unit training objectives, develop training programs and train other aircrew such that the highest level of combat mission-ready proficiency of assigned crew members is maintained. * GS-13 (Pilot): As required, flies as an aircrew member in unit aircraft in support of the unit mission. * GS-13 (Flight Instructor): Assist with planning, organizing, and overseeing the activities of the Operations Group and subordinate Reserve flying squadrons, in conjunction with the Chief/Senior Air Reserve Technician (ART). * GS-13 (Flight Instructor): Assist with management of a flying and ground training program for an organization. * GS-13 (Flight Instructor): Assist with directing, coordinating, and overseeing work through subordinate supervisors. * GS-14 (Flight Instructor): Direct all operations and maintenance training programs for the Squadron. * GS-14 (Flight Instructor): Responsible for effective control and management of the organization's Reserve Personnel Appropriation (RPA) and Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) account * GS-14 (Flight Instructor): Implement flying and ground training requirements. Requirements Conditions of employment * Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration. * U.S. Citizenship is required * Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov * Permanent change in station (PCS) costs will be authorized for centrally managed Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. * PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * Up to 25% Recruitment or Relocation incentive may be authorized * Position may be subject to random drug testing * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays * Shift work and emergency overtime may be required * Employee must maintain current certifications * A security clearance may be required * Disclosure of Political Appointments is required * The salary will be adjusted based on the base to which you are selected. This does not include any recruitment, relocation or retention incentives for which you may be eligible. * A Retention Incentive up to 25% for Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions (varies by location) may be authorized for those who are eligible. * As a Citizen Airman, you will receive pay for the time you spend drilling, as well as any additional time you spend on active duty or training for some positions. The pay is competitive and can help supplement your income from your civil service role * Advanced In Hire or Superior Qualifications may be authorized Qualifications QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent. AND Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent. AND Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series. NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application. A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave. Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC): Email: Global: A3/ReservePCC Teams Page: Reserve PCC Teams Chat: @ReservePCC Sharepoint: Phone: (478) 327-1546 Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information SELRES ART Pilots may be eligible for the Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive for $30K/yr for 1-5 yr contracts. Some positions are developmental positions with grade level progression of GS-12 thru GS-14. You may be eligible for a promotion to the next higher grade level without re-applying, once you have completed one year at each grade level (upon managerial approval). Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information. Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. Additionally, if you are serving on a term appointment in the competitive service, you may be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition. NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for this position and if selected, a break in service of at least 3 days may be required prior to appointment to this position. Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional