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Life Flight Pilot Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

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Life Flight Pilot information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$46.7K

$84.7K

$129.3K

How much do life flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for life flight pilot in Raleigh, NC is $84,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a life flight pilot?

Becoming a life flight pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, gaining experience as a pilot, and often earning additional certifications such as instrument and multi-engine ratings. Many pilots also have backgrounds in emergency services or medical transport, and the job involves working in high-pressure environments with irregular hours. The pathway is challenging but achievable with dedication and the necessary qualifications.

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.

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 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.

Is Life Flight a good company to work for?

Life Flight pilots typically work in high-pressure environments requiring advanced training, strong communication skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The work often involves irregular hours and the need for certifications such as commercial pilot licenses and medical clearances. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those committed to emergency medical services and aviation safety.

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.

How much does a life flight pilot make?

A life flight pilot's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and the employer. Many pilots in this role also receive additional compensation for night shifts, emergency responses, and specialized training.
What job categories do people searching Life Flight Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Life Flight Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Life Flight Pilot jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Life Flight Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Life Flight Pilot job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,711 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Experienced RN/Registered Nurse - Duke Life Flight - Neonatal/Pediatrics

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Experienced RN/Registered Nurse - Duke Life Flight - Neonatal/Pediatrics

Work Arrangement: On-Site Requisition Number: 266515 Regular or Temporary: Regular Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITAL

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together. About Duke Life Flight Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Life Flight, which is Duke Health's critical care and emergency air and ground transport team, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. The team includes paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, and communications specialists who work quickly to provide compassionate care and transport services to critically ill patients of all ages. Duke Life Flight also maintains a Code Blue Response Team and helps support event medicine needs. Join our CAMTS Accredited multi-disciplinary team of RNs, RRTs, Paramedics, EMTs, and Communications Specialists working in a cohesive environment that expands across the Duke Health System. As part of our team, you will expand your knowledge base by practicing in an evidenced-based and protocol driven autonomous environment. Every day has the potential for different experiences – when not transporting, you will round on the inpatient units, conduct medical record audits, participate in continuing education, and policy revisions/updates.

Along with a strong neonatal and pediatrics knowledge base your ambition, energy, flexibility, adaptability, trust and compassion make you the ideal candidate. When time and specialized services are crucial to patients' outcome and survival, the Duke Life Flight team is called. The intense level of care patients receive, from the time we pick them up to the time they arrive at Duke University Hospital, makes a significant difference in their survival and recovery.

Helicopter Transport As a critical part of our Neonatal/Pediatric transport program, each aircraft is staffed with a pilot and two highly trained critical care providers (Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse). Coordinated by our communications center as well as DUHS Neonatology and Pediatric physician support, this team responds to ill and injured patients with state of the art equipment utilizing the safest and most appropriate mode of transport possible. The neonatal/pediatric team utilizes isolettes, nitric oxide, ECMO, Neo Mate, Pedi Mate, Baby Pod and high flow oxygen therapies, to name a few, during rotor wing operations. Rotor wing operations comprise of approximately 10% of this specialized teams transport volume.

Ground Transport Although Duke Life Flight was founded as an air-only transport program, the teams ground assets are utilized more often and for all levels of care from ALS to critical care. Serving as "rolling intensive care units' that can meet any patient's transport needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, each ambulance is staffed with team members that complement the patient's needs. Critical care ambulances are split strategically between bases in Durham, Henderson, and Smithfield. Ground units cover a 180 mile radius from their bases, and provide world-class care to parts of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina.

Shifts Rotating shifts (days and nights) at Duke University Hospital (Durham) 3- 12 hours shifts per week Experience Requirements: A minimum of 3+ years pediatric/neonatal critical care experience in PICU, ICN or NICU (5+ years experience preferred). Air and/or ground transport nursing experience is preferred. Must have recent direct patient care experience within the last six months of application. Must possess BLS, ACLS, PALS and NRP certifications. At least one specialty certification (CFRN, CTRN) must be obtained within 2 years of hire. One current trauma course prior to hire: PHTLS, TNCC, TPATC, BTLS or ITLS. Must have the ability to work in a diverse, autonomous environment. The following to be completed within 2 years of hire date if nurse is new to transport: specialty certification, i.e., TCRN, C-NPT or CFRN. If the RN candidate possesses transport experience within the last two years, must have one of the above specialty certifications upon hire. TPATC/PATC Certification within 18 months of hire. Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Experience Required: Previous work experience as a clinical nurse is required (3+ years required) Graduation from an accredited Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program is required. All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to complete the program within seven years of their start date Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse OR current compact RN licensure to practice in the state of North Carolina required. Physical requirements (height/weight restrictions): Not greater than 230 lbs. in full uniform and no greater than 6' 4" in height. Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US