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Life Flight Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Life Flight helicopters. * Assures adequate inventory of supplies and equipment. * Assures orderly environment in glasshouse and hanger. * Functions as Flight Crew member and assists the pilot when ...

... Life Flight helicopters. * Assures adequate inventory of supplies and equipment. * Assures orderly environment in glasshouse and hanger. * Functions as Flight Crew member and assists the pilot when ...

Overview Unity Point Life Flight EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251) + $3,000 IFR Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Overview Black Hills Life Flight PC12 (IFR) Salary Range: (82,900 to 93,251) + $12,000 Experience ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Black Hills Life Flight PC12 (IFR) Salary Range: (82,900 to 93,251) + $12,000 Experience Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Unity Point Life Flight EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251) + $3,000 IFR Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Overview Unity Point Life Flight EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251) + $3,000 IFR Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Unity Point Life Flight EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251) + $3,000 IFR Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Helicopter Pilot

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Overview Unity Point Life Flight EC135 (IFR) Salary Range: ($82,900 - $93,251) + $3,000 IFR Stipend ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

Overview Black Hills Life Flight PC12 (IFR) Salary Range: (82,900 to 93,251) + $12,000 Experience ... As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us ...

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Life Flight Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

How much do life flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for life flight pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 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.
More about Life Flight Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Life Flight Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Life Flight Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Life Flight Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Life Flight Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Life Flight Pilot job openings in the United States 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 $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Critical Care Flight Paramedic

Geisinger

State College, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Geisinger Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 448 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location:

Geisinger Life Flight Hangar 2 State College

Shift:

Rotation (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36

Worker Type:

Regular

Exemption Status:

No

Job Summary:

Up to a 10K Bonus for those who qualify!
Provides Critical Care Transport Paramedic (CCTP) level of care, within the scope of Act 37, to Life Flight patients in conjunction with the Flight Nurse. The Critical Care Transport Paramedic functions and assists as a non-essential team member in Geisinger Emergency Departments and assists Emergency department health care providers to deliver care to Emergency Department patients as needed. The Critical Care Transport Paramedic meets the qualifications to provide care for patients from birth to over 100 years range

Job Duties:

  • Provides critical care transport paramedic level until patient care is relinquished to an accepting medical facility.
  • Maintains thorough patient care documentation in the electronic medical record Practices within the paramedic scope of practice as defined by a medical command physician, or as needed under the written guidelines of the Seven Mountains EMS Council Regional Protocols or the Department of Health EMS ACT 37Maintains competency in knowledge and psychomotor skills by participating in ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences.
  • Communicates educational needs to the Chief Flight Nurse, Regional Supervisors, the Medical Director CEP's and the Life Flight Educator as required.
  • Maintains Pennsylvania Department of Health medical command status.
  • If not previous certified, will acquire the FP-C credential within one year of hire Functions in the role of a critical care flight and Critical Care Transport Paramedic with an expanded scope of practice approved by the Life Flight Medical Director and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
  • The Critical Care Transport Paramedic scope of practice expansion is only applicable to licensed Air-Ambulance programs in the commonwealth May function in a non-essential per diem role in Emergency Departments to the level permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
  • Maintains competency in the use and routine maintenance of all equipment and supplies used by Life Flight.
  • Assures cleanliness, organization and proper equipping of the medical interior of all Life Flight helicopters.
  • Assures adequate inventory of supplies and equipment at each Life Flight base site.
  • Assures orderly environment in rooftop helipad and cleanliness of helipads at all hangar locations Functions as a flight crew member and assists the pilot as needed.
  • Complies with safety standards to assure safety of self, medical crew members, patient and equipment during all phases of flight.
  • Participates in all preflight briefings and post flight debriefings.
  • Acts as preceptor and participates in orientation of new employees and students as assigned.
  • Assists in conducting safety briefings as needed.
  • Maintains awareness of current issues related to paramedics through participation in professional activities.
  • Participates in all Life Flight educational requirements necessary for maintaining active status and as required by the Life Flight program.
  • Assumes responsibility for identifying processes or systems that could potentially lead to errors and adverse events.
  • Participates in required organizational and departmental patient safety education programs and other activities designed to improve departmental and organizational patient safety.

Works in a patient care environment in and around aircraft and is exposed to possible infectious diseases and chemical toxins. Position may require sitting for long periods of time in a helicopter or in an office environment. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Exposed to non-conventional motion, noise, vibration, jet fumes, and extremetemperatures. Working conditions in or near aircraft and/or aircraft hangar environment on a daily basis and may be exposed to loud aircraft noise, fumes, gases, odors, dust particles, and mechanical and electrical hazards. Travel may be required. Employee may not exceed 250 lbs in weight in flight gear. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Position Details:

Full benefits (medical, dental and vision) starting on day one

  • Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
  • Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) anda health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
  • Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
  • MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
  • Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
  • Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance

Education:

Graduate from Specialty Training Program- (Required)

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years-Related work experience (Required)

Certification(s) and License(s):

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification - American Heart Association (AHA)American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support Certification - Default Issuing BodyDefault Issuing Body, Certified Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic - Default Issuing BodyDefault Issuing Body, Certified Flight Paramedic - Default Issuing BodyDefault Issuing Body, Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification - Neonatal Resuscitation ProgramNeonatal Resuscitation Program, S.T.A.B.L.E. Certified - The S.T.A.B.L.E. ProgramThe S.T.A.B.L.E. Program

Skills:

Communication, Preceptor Skills, Teamwork

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities.

  • KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
  • EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
  • LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
  • INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
  • SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family.

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.

We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.


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