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Jump Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Jump Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$138.4K

$212.5K

How much do jump pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for jump pilot in Oregon is $138,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $163,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a jump pilot?

Jump pilots are specially trained pilots responsible for flying aircraft that carry skydivers to altitude for parachute jumps. Their primary duties include maintaining flight safety, following precise flight patterns to designated drop zones, and communicating effectively with drop zone operators and jumpers. Jump pilots often work at skydiving centers and must be skilled at handling planes during short takeoffs, landings, and high-density operations. They play a crucial role in the safety and success of skydiving operations.

What does a jump pilot do?

Jump pilots fly aircraft for skydivers. In this role, you prepare the plane for each flight, monitor conditions in the air, and ensure the jumpers are secure and ready to dive out of the plane. Unlike commercial airline pilots, jump pilots make many flights each day, taking off and landing every fifteen to twenty minutes during their shift. You must communicate with air traffic controllers throughout the trip, make sure that the passengers are ready for the skydive, and notify them as you approach the drop zone. Jump pilots also relay any necessary information about wind, jump timing, and other factors that may affect the jump.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jump pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jump Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong airmanship, and experience flying aircraft used in skydiving operations. Familiarity with jump aircraft such as Cessna Caravans, proficiency in weight and balance calculations, and a current FAA medical certificate are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the safety of both skydivers and crew, efficient flight operations, and effective coordination during high-adrenaline situations.

What are some common challenges faced by jump pilots during busy skydiving operations?

Jump pilots often contend with tight turnaround times, rapidly changing weather conditions, and the need for precise coordination with ground crew and skydivers. Maintaining situational awareness is critical, especially when flying multiple loads in succession and operating out of smaller airfields. Additionally, jump pilots must be adept at handling unexpected situations, such as last-minute changes in jump runs or emergency procedures, while ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft.

What is the difference between Jump Pilot vs Skydiving Instructor?

AspectJump PilotSkydiving Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific jump pilot ratingsUSPA Instructor Certification, skydiving licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, jump aircraft, airportsDrop zones, aircraft, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSkydiving companies, adventure sports operatorsSkydiving centers, adventure sports industry

Jump Pilots operate aircraft to transport skydivers and ensure safe jumps, requiring pilot certifications. Skydiving Instructors train and certify skydivers, focusing on safety and technique. While both roles are integral to the skydiving industry, Jump Pilots focus on flying, whereas Skydiving Instructors focus on training and safety instruction.

How much money do jump pilots make?

Jump pilots typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of aircraft operated. Many jump pilots are paid hourly and may receive additional compensation for safety and operational responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Jump Pilot jobs in Oregon?

For Jump Pilot jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Jump Pilot job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,416 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Redmond, OR

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 853 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These position are located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to assist in managing the activities of the Smokejumper Group and to provide the Forest Service's highest level of technical expertise in the field of smokejumping operations, loft, loadmaster, training and prescribed fire.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed as an Initial Attack Commander responsible for leading a squad of personnel in wildland suppression activities; Directed and coordinated all types of related aircraft, fire line personnel and equipment; Led other crew members in all applicable smokejumper duties including parachute rigging and repair, paracargo rigging, aircraft loading, sewing and manufacturing, equipment maintenance and other duties which support the smokejumper program.
For the GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08) in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience may include: Served as spotter and made critical safety decisions on jump actions and fire strategies and tactics; Assisted in managing Smokejumper Safety Programs such as Smokejumper First Aid or Prescribed Fire/Fuels Treatment and Chainsaw Safety, or Smokejumper Spotter/Pilot Program; Served as a cargo dropper in charge of aerial delivery missions in a variety of aircraft involving both paracargo and free-fall delivery using systems.
Smokejumper duties present unusual hazards and require that personnel be in excellent physical condition and possess a high degree of emotional stability and mental alertness. The health of individuals must be such that they have the capacity to meet demands for performance in the position and for human reliability. Before entrance on duty, and periodically during employment, smokejumpers must undergo a medical exam, physical conditioning, and an adeptness test. Failure to meet any of the required standards will be considered disqualifying for employment or a basis of termination.
See Medical Requirements for Smokejumper Positions.
During the training period, incumbents are continually evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in various aspects of parachute jumping and smokejumper-related tasks, including aircraft exit procedures, parachute landing falls, parachute maneuvering, timber let-down procedures, parachute and cargo retrieving, tree climbing, and chainsaw and hand tool use. Incumbents who cannot perform up to the required standards of proficiency will be terminated from the smokejumper program. Smokejumpers must perform safely and efficiently in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, often with severe smoke and dust. Terrain may be extremely steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with thick tangled vegetation. Conditions riding in aircraft may be hot, cramped, and extremely turbulent, which may promote airsickness. The hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing (jump suit, helmet, boots, gloves, fire resistant clothing, etc.) be worn and protective equipment, including fire shelters, be carried.
Selective Placement Factors
Must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Senior Parachute Rigger under FAR part 65.
Must be currently or have been previously qualified as a smokejumper on an organized wildland fire smokejumper crew.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
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.
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:There is no education requirement or substitution for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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