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Medical Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Medical Helicopter Pilot information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$69.5K

$97.5K

$120.1K

How much do medical helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical helicopter pilot in Raleigh, NC is $97,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical helicopter pilot?

Medical helicopter pilots are highly trained professionals who operate helicopters to transport critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities. They work closely with medical teams to ensure safe and rapid air transport, often in emergency situations. Their responsibilities include pre-flight inspections, route planning, flying the aircraft under various conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Medical helicopter pilots typically have extensive flight experience and specialized training in aeromedical operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Medical Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, extensive flight hours (often 1,000+), and a strong understanding of aeronautical decision-making and emergency procedures. Familiarity with advanced avionics, night vision goggles, GPS navigation systems, and FAA regulations is critical, along with certifications like an instrument rating. Exceptional situational awareness, stress management, and clear communication skills help you coordinate with medical crews and operate safely under pressure. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure rapid, safe, and reliable transport of critically ill or injured patients in challenging conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by medical helicopter pilots during emergency missions?

Medical Helicopter Pilots often operate under high-pressure situations, navigating complex weather conditions, difficult terrain, and time-sensitive emergencies. They must coordinate closely with medical crews and air traffic controllers while ensuring the safety of all onboard. Adapting quickly to changing scenarios and maintaining composure during critical patient transports are essential parts of the job, making strong communication and decision-making skills vital.

What is the difference between Medical Helicopter Pilot vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectMedical Helicopter PilotEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, rotorcraft certification, medical clearanceEMT certification, CPR, basic life support training
Work EnvironmentHelicopter cockpit, often in emergency scenes or hospitalsAmbulance, scene, or hospital settings
Employer & IndustryAir ambulance services, hospitals, emergency response teamsAmbulance services, hospitals, emergency response teams

Medical Helicopter Pilots operate aircraft to transport critically ill or injured patients, requiring advanced pilot certifications and specialized training. EMTs provide on-the-ground pre-hospital emergency care, focusing on patient stabilization and transport. While both roles are vital in emergency medical services, they differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and responsibilities.

Are EMS helicopter pilots in demand?

EMS helicopter pilots are in demand due to the need for rapid medical transport in emergency situations. The job requires specialized training, certifications, and experience in aviation and medical protocols, and employment opportunities are often influenced by regional healthcare needs and budget allocations.

How to become a medical helicopter pilot?

To become a medical helicopter pilot, you need to obtain a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft and instrument ratings, accumulate flight hours, and gain experience in emergency or night flying. Additional certifications such as a Certified Flight Instructor or specific medical transport training are often required, along with strong communication and decision-making skills. Medical helicopter pilots must also pass a medical exam and often have experience in emergency medical services or related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Medical Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Medical Helicopter Pilot jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Medical Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Medical Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Helicopter Pilot job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,450 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Rotor Wing Pilot in Command (Raleigh)

Intermountain Health

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$46.24 - $72.80/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Intermountain Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 843 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description

As an Air Ambulance Pilot, you are the critical link in delivering rapid, life-saving transportation for patients in need. Your expertise ensures the safety of the medical team and patients during every flight. In this role, you’ll combine technical aviation skills with a commitment to excellence, contributing directly to your community by supporting vital emergency medical services.ons.


Essential Functions

  • Operates aircraft in compliance with FAA regulations, company policies, and mission protocols.

  • Plans and executes flights, accounting for weather conditions, weight and balance, and fuel requirements.

  • Collaborates effectively with medical staff, ground crew, and dispatch for seamless mission execution.

  • Responds promptly to emergency callouts, maintaining readiness at all times.

  • Maintains accurate flight and maintenance logs as required by the company and FAA.

  • Represents the company professionally when interacting with patients, families, and the public.


Skills

  • Adaptability

  • Flight planning

  • Communication

  • Decision-making

  • Team collaboration

  • Situational awareness

  • Leadership

  • Safety compliance

  • Technical proficiency

  • Stress management


Minimum Qualifications

  • FAA Certifications:

    • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating or an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate; appropriate category and class ratings

    • Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate (or higher)



  • Flight Experience:

    • 2,000 hours of total flight time in a helicopter or CAMTS Equivalency

    • 100 hours of cross-country flight - 25 hours at night

    • 75 actual or simulated instrument hours

    • 100 hours of unaided night flight time



  • Other

    • Pass a 135.293 check ride within the first 60 days of hire




Preferred Qualifications

  • Air ambulance experience

  • Night Vision Goggle experience

  • 300 flight hours at night

  • Turbine-engine time - 1000 hours

  • Live within one hour of assigned base


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit for extended periods in an aircraft cockpit

  • Capability to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, which may involve climbing, kneeling, crouching, or stooping

  • Must meet FAA medical standards for physical and mental fitness, as verified by a current FAA Medical Certificate

  • Meet Intermountain Health standards for annual hearing tests

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, as required for handling equipment or luggage

  • Tolerance for varying environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, and noise during aircraft operations

  • Meet current weight restrictions established by the company #medtransport #jsfirm


Location

Lander Air Base


Work City

Lander


Work State

Wyoming


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


The hourly range for this position is listed below. Actual hourly rate dependent upon experience.


$46.24 - $72.80


We care about your well-being - mind, body, and spirit - which is why we provide our caregivers a generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.


Learn more about our comprehensive benefits package


By applying for a position with Intermountain, I acknowledge that I will comply with all applicable Intermountain policies and expectations. If applying for a remote or hybrid role, this includes remote work expectations related to confidentiality, information security, work schedules, conflicts of interest, and use of company equipment. I further acknowledge that outside employment or activities may not interfere with job responsibilities or create a conflict of interest with Intermountain. Actual or reasonably perceived conflicts may be grounds for disqualification from consideration or, if hired, corrective action up to and including termination of employment.


Intermountain Health is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.


At Intermountain Health, we usethe artificial intelligence (\AI\) platform, HiredScore to improve your job application experience.HiredScore helps match your skills and experiences to the best jobs for you. WhileHiredScore assists in reviewing applications, all final decisions are made byIntermountain personnel to ensure fairness. We protect your privacy and follow strict data protection rules. Your information is safe and used only for recruitment. Thank you for considering a career with us and experiencing our AI-enhanced recruitment process.


All positions subject to close without notice.

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