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Life Flight Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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$14

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$46

How much do life flight jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for life flight in Raleigh, NC is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $28.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in life flight?

To work in life flight, candidates typically need relevant medical or aviation certifications such as paramedic, nurse, or respiratory therapist licenses, along with experience in emergency or critical care. Additional requirements often include CPR certification, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work in high-stress environments, with some roles requiring specialized training in helicopter or aircraft operations.

Is a life flight helicopter a good career?

A career as a life flight helicopter crew member offers the opportunity to provide critical emergency medical services in high-pressure environments. It requires specialized training, certifications such as EMT or paramedic licenses, and the ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. The job can be rewarding but also physically and emotionally demanding due to the nature of emergency response work.

What is the difference between Life Flight vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectLife FlightEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
CredentialsParamedic certification, advanced medical trainingEMT certification, basic life support training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, emergency scenes, hospitalsAmbulances, emergency scenes, clinics
Industry UsageEmergency medical services, air transportGround ambulance services, pre-hospital care

Life Flight professionals typically hold paramedic certifications and operate in air medical transport environments, providing advanced emergency care. EMTs have basic certifications and work primarily in ground ambulance settings. Both roles are vital in emergency medical services but differ in training, work environment, and scope of practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Life Flight nurse or paramedic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Life Flight nurse or paramedic, you need advanced clinical skills in emergency and critical care, along with certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and often CFRN or FP-C. Familiarity with air medical equipment, portable ventilators, and electronic patient monitoring systems is crucial. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills are vital to handle high-pressure situations and coordinate with pilots and other medical staff. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care during air transport emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by Life Flight crew members during emergency transports?

Life Flight crew members often encounter challenging situations such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating difficult terrain for patient pick-up, and managing critically ill patients in a confined and mobile environment. Effective communication and rapid decision-making are crucial, as the team must coordinate closely with ground medical staff and pilots to ensure patient safety. Adapting to unpredictable scenarios and maintaining composure under pressure are key aspects of this role.

What are Life Flight personnel?

Life Flight personnel are specialized medical professionals who provide emergency medical care and rapid air transport to critically ill or injured patients. They typically work as part of a team that includes flight nurses, paramedics, and pilots, operating out of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. Life Flight teams are trained to handle high-pressure situations and deliver advanced medical interventions during transport to hospitals. Their primary goal is to stabilize patients and ensure they receive timely care, especially when ground transport is not feasible or would take too long.

How much do life flight people make?

Life Flight personnel, including pilots, nurses, and paramedics, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Advanced roles such as flight nurses or pilots with specialized training may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the context of life flight or emergency medical services, high-paying roles such as chief pilots, medical directors, or executive leadership can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced training, extensive experience, and sometimes ownership stakes or bonuses. Most other roles in the industry typically do not reach this salary level without additional business or investment components.
Life Flight jobs near you
Infographic showing various Life Flight job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,228 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Paramedic 2 (ALS/GROUND) - Duke Life Flight - Durham NC

Paramedic 2 (ALS/GROUND) - Duke Life Flight - Durham NC

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

434th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

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.
***Paramedics may be eligible for a $7500 Commitment Bonus (terms and conditions apply)***
Position is eligible for a relocation assistance (terms and conditions apply)
Paramedic II - Duke University Health System - Duke Life Flight
Duke University Health System's Life Flight team supports over 20 critical care procedures independently. The patient population is 22-23 week gestation neonates to geriatric (all ages). In this department you work with interdisciplinary teams including, Basic Life Support EMT's, single provider ALS Paramedic, Clinical Nurses, Respiratory Therapist (Neo/Peds team) and Critical Care Paramedics.
Work Hours & Shifts:
Full Time: 3 - 12 hour shift per week
Shifts Available: Mid shift 11a-11p or Nights 7p-7a
Location: Durham - 100 Golden Drive, Durham, NC 27705
Job Summary:
The Paramedic II functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing direct patient care. The Paramedic performs a variety of activities across various practices settings and patient populations in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board and with the approval of the practice setting Medical Director.
Duties and Responsibilities of Paramedic II (Life Flight Advanced Life Support Paramedic)
  • Responsible for providing direct patient care in accordance with the Paramedic scope of practice as defined by the North Carolina Medical Board under the medical oversight of the Medical Director of the practice setting where the individual will function.
  • Assists clinical staff in the evaluation, treatment and care of patients. Obtains pertinent history and performs a physical examination. Performs technical procedures as delegated.
  • Monitors patients and maintains records using patient monitoring system and electronic health records. Documents patients' status, delivery of care and evaluation of the patients' response to care according to specific procedures and established protocols.
  • Documents and maintains an informative and accurate medical record to initiate charges for each patient treated.
  • Communicates in a professional manner essential information to all appropriate members of the healthcare team to promote sharing of information throughout the continuum of care.
  • Operates extensive medical and mechanical equipment in the hospital and transport environment. Ensures all medical equipment is functioning; restocks medical supplies as needed.
  • Provides and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients, visitors, and staff. Properly disposes of and handles as applicable, sharps, soiled materials, and linens and disinfects area in accordance with policy and policy as applicable. Properly uses PPE when in contact with patients, soiled utility, hazardous materials in accordance with policy.
  • Act as preceptor and support the development of other staff and formal learners.
  • Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and in performance improvement activities. Supports an environment of evidence-based practice/research/quality improvement initiatives
  • Maintain certifications and clinical skills.
  • Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
  • Complete vehicle inspection and documentation each shift and complete a road test of assigned ambulance(s).
  • Responsible for minor repairs to the unit to include but not limited to: changing light bulbs, replenishing fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, inspecting tires, etc. Responsible for daily maintenance including fueling and cleaning of vehicle. Responsible for reporting minor and major repair needs to the site specific Fleet Safety Coordinator, Clinical Team Lead, and/or Program Manager.
  • Responsible for assisting with patient care as requested to include loading and unloading, operation of commonly used equipment and providing family members information/directions to Duke.
  • Responsible for providing direct patient care on ALS I, ALS II or BLS transports, not to exceed beyond the scope of The Paramedic as defined by the NCOEMS and approved by local medical direction, and documenting in the electronic medical record.
  • Responsible for replenishing oxygen and medical supplies used during transport.
  • Demonstrates safe driving skills and ability to use technology to complete missions safely.
  • Assist with continuing education outreach programs and public relations events as assigned.
  • Provide staffing coverage to all bases as needed. Assist units within Duke University Hospital when necessary.

Education
High School Diploma Required
Associates Degree is preferred
Experience
One year ALS Paramedic experience required, preferred two to three years prehospital experience with a moderate call volume (>15,000 calls/year) 911 agency.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
  • Current certification as a North Carolina Paramedic or have the ability to obtain certification in the State of North Carolina.
  • Current trauma course preferred: PHTLS, BTLS or ITLS
  • BLS, ACLS, and PALS, required.
  • ITLS (or PHTLS) preferred upon hire. If not, will need to acquire within the first year.
  • NRP required within 6 months of hire.
  • North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver certification (EVOC) or comparable must be completed in 6 months of hire
  • Current Class C driver's license from NC or other state
  • Current three (3) year driving history absent of violations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of and appropriate application Paramedic scope of practice
  • Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure
  • Ability to assess needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
  • Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
  • Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up
  • Ability to use fine motor skills Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status
  • Ability to use computer and learn new software programs
  • Able to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
  • Ability to remain focused and organized Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients
  • Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
  • Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required Must Speak English in good, understandable terms
  • Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
  • Critical thinking and ability to concentrate
  • Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions
  • Operating knowledge of ambulance/fire truck or vehicle equivalent to the Duke Life Flight ambulances
  • Physical Requirements Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, knelling, crouching/squatting, balancing, and pulling.
  • Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking.
  • Must be able to lift and support the weight up to 75 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.
  • Intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
  • Finger dexterity. Bimanual Dexterity: Requiring the use of both hands.

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

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