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Patrol Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Justhelicopters

$100 - $125/hr

Patrols mountains to detect fires, lost or missing aircraft, missing persons, or for related ... Performs single-pilot operations. Transports essential personnel and equipment. Communicates with ...

Town of Scarborough

Patrol Officer

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$36.96/hr

Patrol Officer's schedule is based on a four-day work week . After successful completion of our FTO ... Drone Pilots and more! ATTENTION BLUE PINS AND LATERAL APPLICANTS! The Scarborough Police ...

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Patrol Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do patrol pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for patrol pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patrol pilot?

Patrol Pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying aircraft to monitor and survey specific areas, such as coastlines, borders, forests, or pipelines. Their main duties include observing and reporting suspicious activity, conducting search and rescue missions, and supporting law enforcement or environmental protection operations. Patrol Pilots often work for government agencies, private companies, or organizations focused on security, conservation, or resource management. They must be skilled in navigation, communication, and emergency procedures to perform their roles effectively.

What does a patrol pilot do?

As a patrol pilot, your job is to fly a small aircraft on behalf of a government agency or private company and keep watch for a specific type of problem during their daily operations. For example, some states hire fire patrol pilots to fly through the air and look for signs of wildfires and provide initial fire suppression, while businesses may hire aerial patrol pilots to supervise the area and help deter any third-party activities that might impact pipelines or remote facilities. Patrol pilots also support other law enforcement and security efforts, such as by monitoring the national border or helping the highway patrol pursue a fleeing vehicle. Most patrol pilots fly small aircraft, but in recent years, this job has expanded to include piloting drones and looking at live video feeds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patrol pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patrol Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong flight proficiency, and knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with aircraft-specific systems, GPS navigation tools, and sometimes certifications like instrument or multi-engine ratings are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for high-pressure situations. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient surveillance and response during patrol missions, often in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by patrol pilots during routine patrol missions?

Patrol Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating difficult or remote terrain, and maintaining constant vigilance for potential hazards or suspicious activities. Additionally, they must effectively communicate with ground teams and coordinate with other air or maritime units, which requires strong situational awareness and teamwork. Adhering to strict safety protocols while managing long hours and variable schedules can also be demanding but is essential for mission success.

What is the difference between Patrol Pilot vs Security Pilot?

AspectPatrol PilotSecurity Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific flight hoursPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or CPL, depending on role
Work EnvironmentAirborne patrols, surveillance flights, remote areasSecurity patrols, surveillance, monitoring facilities
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, private clientsSecurity companies, private security firms

Patrol Pilots and Security Pilots both operate aircraft for surveillance and patrol purposes, often requiring similar pilot certifications. However, Patrol Pilots typically work in remote or expansive areas conducting surveillance, while Security Pilots focus on monitoring security sites. Both roles are essential in security and surveillance industries, with overlapping skills and certifications.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Patrol Pilot jobs?

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What states have the most Patrol Pilot jobs?

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Patrol Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patrol Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Firefighting Pilot/H60 Pilot In Command (La Grande)

MHM Publishing Inc

La Grande, OR • On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements

OAS Carded S70/H602500 hours PIC in helicopters.100 hours PIC in helicopters preceding 12 months100 hours in type100 hours in weight classFire fighting experience

Job Description

Columbia Basin Helicopters currently has H60 PIC positions available for the 2026 fire season.
CBH operates UH60L and UH-1 Airframes.
Seasonal, and full time positions available.

Full-time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits after 30 days of employment, as well as dental, and vision.
Qualified candidates include those with experience flying safely in the Fire Fighting environment and experience in the UH-60/S-70. Only applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be considered.

BlueSky Helicopters in Los Angeles currently has a PIC position open for our H60 fire/utility contracts. The company operates H-60L, A+, AS350 and Bell 407 airframes. Aircraft are based in the Los Angeles area. Living in Los Angeles is not mandatory, but is preferred. We offer a competitive full-time compensation...

Vertical Reference ( Long Line) lift work Crew transport Power line patrol Wildland Fire Suppression And various other mountain helicopter operations. Central Copters, Inc. is an FAA approved Air Carrier (FAR Part 135), Certified External Load Operator (FAR Part 133), and contracted with the USFS for Wildland Fire Suppression. We...

Firehawk Helicopters has openings for S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk SIC/co-pilot positions. This is a full time position with a 12/12 schedule. Competitive Pay and Benefits with profit sharing/401K, extended, travel, lodging, per diem, as well as health Insurance. Applicant can live anywhere in lower 48, must be within 90 minutes of...

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