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How much do helitack crew jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for helitack crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Helitack Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helitack Crew member, you need strong physical fitness, wildfire suppression knowledge, and specialized wildland firefighting training, often supported by certifications like S-130/S-190. Familiarity with helicopters, personal protective equipment (PPE), and fire communication systems is crucial. Teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient wildfire response and the ability to adapt quickly to dynamic, high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by helitack crew members during wildfire response operations?

Helitack crew members often face challenges such as rapidly changing fire conditions, working in remote and rugged terrain, and coordinating closely with air and ground teams under stressful circumstances. The job requires quick decision-making, physical endurance, and adaptability, as plans may change at a moment’s notice due to weather or fire behavior. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as crews must work safely and efficiently alongside pilots, ground firefighters, and incident command staff.

What are helitack crews?

Helitack crews are specialized teams of wildland firefighters who are deployed to fight fires using helicopters. Their primary role is to respond quickly to wildfires in remote or hard-to-reach areas by being transported via helicopter, often rappelling down or landing near the fire. Once on the ground, helitack crews suppress fires by constructing fire lines, clearing vegetation, and sometimes coordinating aerial water drops. They are highly trained in both firefighting and helicopter operations, ensuring efficient and rapid wildfire response. Helitack crews play a crucial role in the early stages of wildfire suppression and in preventing small fires from becoming large, destructive events.

What is the difference between Helitack Crew vs Firefighter?

AspectHelitack CrewFirefighter
CertificationsWildland Firefighter Type 2, Helicopter SafetyFirefighter I & II, EMT
Work EnvironmentHelicopter-based, remote wildland areasUrban, suburban, wildland
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, forestry servicesFire departments, emergency services

Helitack Crews specialize in rapid response using helicopters to access wildland fires, often working in remote areas. Firefighters work in various environments, including urban and wildland settings, with broader emergency response roles. While both roles require wildland firefighting certifications, Helitack Crews focus on aerial operations, whereas firefighters may work on ground-based fire suppression.

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What job categories do people searching Helitack Crew jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helitack Crew jobs are:
Helitack Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helitack Crew job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Wildland Firefighter (Helitack Senior Firefighter) - Direct Hire Authority

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack Senior Firefighter) - Direct Hire Authority

Department of the Interior

Billings, MT • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 638 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Wildland Firefighter (Helitack Senior Firefighter)

Incumbent is a trained wildland firefighter on a helitack crew.

Assignments may include loading helicopters, determining weight calculations, completing crew manifest and accessing remote areas by helicopter to instruct helispots, or to attack small fires, hot spots, and spot fires.

May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildfires.

May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.

What U.S. Department Of The Interior employees say

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