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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

$25K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Helicopter Pilot

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

$25K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

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

Aviation Officer

Pomona, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Bomb Technician (EOD)

Crestline, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Bomb Technician (EOD)

Wildomar, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Bomb Technician (EOD)

Winchester, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Key Responsibilities Operate as enlisted aircrew during flight operations; perform helicopter sea rescues and provide advanced first aid; execute underwater search, salvage, harbor clearance, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Helicopter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$62.1K

$100.6K

$106.9K

How much do helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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 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 August 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

Re-posted 7 days ago


Global Medical Response rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

644th of 889 rated healthcare providers


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.

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.

R0054562Qualifications:

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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Global Medical Response employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Global Medical Response logo

About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. With more than 38,000 employees, Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018