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Life Flight Pilot Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Justhelicopters

MD500 Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience ... To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal ...

Hillsboro Aviation

MD500 Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience ... To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience ... To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal ...

Winco

Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR · On-site

$30 - $39.25/hr

Change time-life/overhaul life items when due. Tagging them with the date of removal and accurate ... to the first flight. * Protect the aircraft on the ground. * Assist the pilot in securing the ...

Winco

Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR · On-site

$30 - $39.25/hr

Change time-life/overhaul life items when due. Tagging them with the date of removal and accurate ... to the first flight. * Protect the aircraft on the ground. * Assist the pilot in securing the ...

Quanta Services

Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR

$30 - $39.25/hr

Change time-life/overhaul life items when due. Tagging them with the date of removal and accurate ... to the first flight. * Protect the aircraft on the ground. * Assist the pilot in securing the ...

Quanta Services

Apprentice Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR

$30 - $39.25/hr

... life item changes, learning to tag items with date of removal and accurate times and cycles ... Help correct discrepancies reported by the pilot, working under the supervision of your assigned A ...

Winco

Apprentice Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR · On-site

$30 - $39.25/hr

... life item changes, learning to tag items with date of removal and accurate times and cycles ... Help correct discrepancies reported by the pilot, working under the supervision of your assigned A ...

Winco

Apprentice Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR · On-site

$30 - $39.25/hr

... life item changes, learning to tag items with date of removal and accurate times and cycles ... Help correct discrepancies reported by the pilot, working under the supervision of your assigned A ...

Ampacity

Apprentice Field A&P Mechanic

Aurora, OR · On-site

$30 - $39.25/hr

... life item changes, learning to tag items with date of removal and accurate times and cycles ... Help correct discrepancies reported by the pilot, working under the supervision of your assigned A ...

All JobsLife Flight Pilot JobsLife Flight Pilot Jobs in Portland, OR

Life Flight Pilot information

See Portland, OR salary details

$50.9K

$92.4K

$141K

How much do life flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for life flight pilot in Portland, OR is $92,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a life flight pilot?

Life Flight Pilots are specially trained helicopter or airplane pilots who transport critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities as quickly and safely as possible. They work as part of an air medical team and must have advanced flying skills, as well as the ability to operate under pressure in emergency situations. Life Flight Pilots often collaborate closely with paramedics, nurses, and doctors during patient transport. Their role is vital in saving lives, especially in cases where ground transportation would take too long or is inaccessible.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a life flight pilot?

To thrive as a Life Flight Pilot, you need an FAA commercial or ATP pilot license, extensive flight hours (often 2,000+), and specialized training in helicopter or fixed-wing aeromedical operations. Familiarity with advanced avionics, GPS navigation systems, and night vision equipment is typically required, along with certifications such as Instrument Rating and potentially NVG (Night Vision Goggle) endorsement. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively handling emergencies and coordinating with medical teams. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transportation of critically ill or injured patients in high-stakes situations.

What are some common challenges life flight pilots face during emergency medical missions?

Life Flight Pilots often encounter challenging flight conditions, such as bad weather, night-time operations, and landing in unfamiliar or restricted areas. They must remain calm under pressure while coordinating closely with medical crews and air traffic control to ensure patient and crew safety. Additionally, responding to urgent calls requires adaptability and quick decision-making, as every mission can differ greatly in terms of location, patient needs, and logistical constraints.

What is the difference between Life Flight Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectLife Flight PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Medical Certificate, sometimes additional rotorcraft ratingsCommercial Pilot License, Medical Certificate, rotorcraft ratings
Work EnvironmentEmergency medical flights, hospitals, accident scenesVaried, including transportation, construction, tourism, and emergency services
Employer & IndustryAir ambulance services, hospitals, emergency response agenciesAirlines, private companies, government agencies, emergency services

While both roles require similar certifications and involve flying helicopters, Life Flight Pilots specifically operate in emergency medical and rescue settings, often under urgent conditions. Helicopter Pilots have a broader range of industries and environments, including commercial and private operations. The key difference lies in the specialized medical emergency focus of Life Flight Pilots versus the diverse applications of Helicopter Pilots.

How hard is it to be a life flight pilot?

Becoming a life flight pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, flight hours, and specialized certifications such as instrument and multi-engine ratings. The job demands high levels of skill, quick decision-making, and the ability to operate in challenging environments, often under stressful conditions. It typically involves years of experience in aviation before qualifying for this role.

How much do life flight pilots make?

Life flight pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Salaries can be higher for pilots with advanced training, such as instrument or commercial ratings, and those working in high-demand regions or for specialized medical transport services.

How to get a job as a Life Flight Pilot?

To become a Life Flight Pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft or fixed-wing ratings, extensive flight hours, and experience in emergency or medical transport operations. Additional certifications such as an instrument rating and specialized training in aeromedical services are often required, along with strong communication and decision-making skills. Employers also look for experience in high-pressure environments and a clean flying record.

What are popular job titles related to Life Flight Pilot jobs in Portland, OR?

For Life Flight Pilot jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Life Flight Pilot jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Life Flight Pilot jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Life Flight Pilot jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Life Flight Pilot job openings:

Life Flight Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Life Flight Pilot job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,417 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot SPIFR-HAA

Reach Medical Holdings

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$98K - $122K/yr

Full-time

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

Job description

HAA PILOT Full-Time Opportunity

Missions that matter.

Pilot Incentives - This is pilot life at Global Medical Response:

  • Salary Range: $110,949 -$122,044 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)
  • 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 aHelicopter 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.

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.

More Information about this Job

Competitive starting salaries from $110,949 -$122,044 ; 25% geo modifier included, not additional.

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

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