ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rural Metro Fire Department

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Elko, NV · On-site

$115.39 - $126.93/hr

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 ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsHourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot Jobs

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do hourly cal fire helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly cal fire helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilot?

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots are skilled aviators employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) on an hourly basis. Their primary role is to operate helicopters for wildfire suppression, search and rescue missions, and emergency response. These pilots are responsible for safely transporting crews, deploying water or fire retardant, and supporting ground operations during fire emergencies. They must undergo rigorous training, maintain strict safety standards, and are often called upon during peak fire seasons or emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilots during wildfire season?

Hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilots often encounter demanding conditions during wildfire season, including rapidly changing weather, limited visibility due to smoke, and the need for precise coordination with ground crews and other aircraft. Pilots must quickly adapt to dynamic fire behavior and make critical decisions under pressure to ensure both mission success and crew safety. Additionally, irregular hours and extended shifts are common, requiring strong stamina and adaptability. Teamwork, clear communication, and ongoing training are essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining high operational standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly Cal Fire helicopter pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with helicopter rating, significant flight hours (often 1,000+), and specialized wildfire or utility flying experience. Familiarity with aviation safety systems, GPS navigation, radio communication tools, and ongoing FAA certifications is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are outstanding soft skills for this high-risk role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safe, effective aerial firefighting operations, crew safety, and mission success in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot vs Hourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilot?

AspectHourly Cal Fire Helicopter PilotHourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, firefighting trainingCommercial Pilot License, fixed-wing or rotorcraft ratings, firefighting training
Work EnvironmentCal Fire helicopters during wildfire suppressionVarious firefighting aircraft, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)State agencies, federal agencies, or private firefighting contractors

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilots operate rotorcraft specifically for wildfire suppression within Cal Fire, focusing on helicopter-based firefighting. Hourly Firefighting Aircraft Pilots may operate both fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft for firefighting efforts across different agencies. While both roles require similar certifications and involve firefighting in similar environments, the main difference lies in the type of aircraft operated and the specific agency or employer.

What cities are hiring for Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Hourly Cal Fire Helicopter Pilot jobs near you

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Rural Metro Fire Department

Mcalester, OK • On-site

$110.95 - $122.04/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity

Contact us today! We’re hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to Med-Trans customers. Safety is a key pillar of our services.

Pilot Incentives
  • Salary Range: $110,948 - $122,043 including 25% Geographic Modifier
  • 15K Sign on Bonus, subject to eligibility
  • Retention Bonus Plans ($40,000 after 3 years plus additional retention bonuses once completed)
  • On Duty Housing
  • 7/7 Schedule
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 Med-Trans requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate Med-Trans 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 MedTrans 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
  • 1,500 Helicopter Hours
  • 1,000 Helicopter PIC Hours
  • 1,000 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • 200 Helicopter Night Flight Hours (Aided or Unaided)
Preferred Qualifications
  • B407 Aircraft Experience
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher

Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

Why Choose Med-Trans?

As a leader in air medical care, Med-Trans 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.

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.

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply