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How much do helitack crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 is a helitack crew?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a helitack crew member?

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 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 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.

How much does a helitack crew make?

A helitack crew member's salary typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and agency. Firefighters in these crews often require specialized training and certifications, and they work in challenging environments during wildfire seasons.

How to get on a helitack crew?

To join a helitack crew, applicants typically need to have wildfire suppression experience, physical fitness, and often hold certifications such as Basic Wildland Firefighter or Advanced Firefighter. Applying through federal or state fire agencies and completing required training programs increases chances of selection, as crews look for team players with relevant skills and certifications.

Is it hard to get on a helitack crew?

Getting on a helitack crew is competitive and typically requires prior firefighting experience, physical fitness, and relevant certifications such as S-130 and S-190. Applicants often need to demonstrate strong teamwork skills and the ability to work in remote, high-pressure environments.
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Helitack Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helitack Crew job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Grangeville, ID • On-site

$27.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. Serves as a smokejumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression.

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.
GW-06: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-5 grade level in federal service or equivalent.
GW-06: Education cannot be substituted for this grade level.
Examples of specialized experience include: Performed parachute jumps under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, and/or timber; Suppressed the full range of difficult and complex wildland fire using common and proven basic techniques; Served as a Squad boss on a Fire Crew, Helitack Crew, Pump Crew or served as Crew Boss, Fire Boss, or Sector Boss.
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.
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 ARDUOUS level is a ''condition of employment.'' The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test consists of a three (3) mile hike, within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
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:Employment Type: OTHER

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