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Helicopter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Pilot is the first level in a two level helicopter pilot series. Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions ...

Helicopter Pilot

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Overview Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available ...

Overview Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available ...

Helicopter Pilot

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Overview: Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available ...

Overview: Big Bear Fire B407(IFR) 130% ACCRA Off Duty Housing $15,000 Sign On Bonus (External Pilots) AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods ...

Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available $40,000 ...

Overview Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available ...

Overview: Mercy Air EC145/EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($99,480 - $111,901) with 120% ACCRA Location Stipend: $25,000 + $3,000 IFR Stipend + Experience Stipend: Up to $12,000 Off-Duty Housing Available ...

FAA Certified Dispatcher's Certificate or Commercial Pilot's Certificate. * 3+ years related experience with helicopter flight operations. * Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration ...

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 ...

Work Environment Operate worldwide on land, at sea, and underwater from EOD Mobile Units and detachments; insert via parachute, helicopter, and small boats; work from ships, shore commands, and ...

Work Environment Operate worldwide on land, at sea, and underwater from EOD Mobile Units and detachments; insert via parachute, helicopter, and small boats; work from ships, shore commands, and ...

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Helicopter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$62.1K

$100.6K

$106.9K

How much do helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter in Riverside, CA is $100,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $102,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are helicopter pilots?

Helicopter pilots are trained professionals who operate helicopters for various purposes, such as transportation, search and rescue, medical evacuation, or aerial surveying. They are responsible for safely navigating and controlling the aircraft in different weather and terrain conditions. Helicopter pilots must complete specialized flight training, obtain the appropriate licenses, and regularly update their skills to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.

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.

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 Are Helicopter Jobs?

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 near Riverside, CA are hiring for Helicopter jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Helicopter job openings:
Infographic showing various Helicopter job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,568 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

$92K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity

 Pilot Incentives 

  • Salary Range: $115,387-$126,926 including 30% Geographic Modifier
  • 15K Sign-On Bonus, subject to eligibility
  • Retention Bonus plans ($40,000 after 3 years plus additional retention bonuses once completed)
  • 5K SPIFR Stipend
  • On Duty Housing
  • 7/7 Schedule

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We're hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to REACH Air Medical Services customers. Safety is a key pillar of our services. 

Responsibilities

  • Working with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities
  • Ensure aircraft readiness as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and REACH requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate REACH and regulatory documentation and record keeping
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners
  • Provide shift change info to successive pilot and team following protocol for recording REACH change board details
  • Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training

Minimum Requirements

  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate
  • Helicopter instrument rating
  • Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours
  • 2,000 Helicopter Hours 
  • 1,000  Helicopter PIC Hours
  • 1,000 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • Minimum 200  Helicopter Night Flight Hours (Aided or Unaided)
  • Minimum 100 cumulative hours of instrument flight time 
  • 230 pound weight limit with flight gear

  Preferred Qualifications 

  • EC135/H135 Aircraft Experience 
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher

Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

Why Choose REACH? As a quality air medical transport service, REACH is one of Global Medical Response's (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com.  

GMR's Core Behaviors-keep care at the center, raise your hand, seek to understand, find a way together and be accountable-unite our teams and set us apart in emergency medical services

The application window for this position is anticipated to close on 11/19/26. 

EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

More Information about this Job

Competitive starting salaries from $115,387-$126,926; 30% geo modifier included, not additional  

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME