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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parish Transport

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient ... Competitive salary ($52,000-$57,200 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ...

Solairus Aviation

General Application - Pilot

$50K/yr

S. Per Diem pilots are an on-call day rate part-time employee. The ideal candidate will need to be a team player while seeking excellence in every aspect of his/her performance. Join a hardworking ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient ... Competitive salary ($75,000 - $90,000 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ...

Parish Transport LLC

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Heavy Haul Pilot Car Driver, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient ... Competitive salary ($75,000 - $90,000 annually) based on experience + per diem when away from ...

Weyerhauser Co

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Alpine Air

Floater Pilot - B1900

Provo, UT · On-site

$90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

First year pilots can typically expect to earn $90,000 per year , utilizing compensation programs like rate per route, per diem, etc. Some Alpine Air pilots make substantially more than this figure.

Alpine Air

Floater Pilot - B1900

Provo, UT · On-site

$90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

First year pilots can typically expect to earn $90,000 per year , utilizing compensation programs like rate per route, per diem, etc. Some Alpine Air pilots make substantially more than this figure.

Weyerhaeuser Company

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR

$108K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We manage our flight hours per year, with safety and work life balance in mind, to allow for paid ... Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

Mileage/per-diem/travel pay for work over shifts * $15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteria * Local Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base) * Mileage ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... per -diem/travel pay for work over shifts$15,000 lump sum pilot referral bonus, subject to program criteriaLocal Area Stipend- $15,000 (Residence within 60 miles of base)Mileage Stipend- $300 per ...

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All JobsPer Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do per diem firefighting pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem firefighting 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 per diem firefighting pilot?

A per diem firefighting pilot is a professional pilot who is hired on a temporary, as-needed basis to operate aircraft during wildfire suppression operations. These pilots typically fly planes or helicopters equipped to drop water or fire retardant over wildfires. Their schedules are not fixed, and they are compensated based on the number of days worked, rather than a regular salary. Per diem firefighting pilots play a crucial role in augmenting full-time firefighting crews during peak wildfire seasons or emergencies.

What are some unique challenges faced by per diem firefighting pilots compared to full-time pilots?

Per diem firefighting pilots often face the challenge of quickly adapting to different crews, aircraft, and operating environments since they may be called in on short notice and work irregular schedules. Building rapport with new teams and staying updated on varying local protocols can be demanding. Additionally, per diem pilots must maintain a high level of readiness and flexibility, as wildfire conditions and deployment locations can change rapidly, requiring swift decision-making and adaptability.

What is the difference between Per Diem Firefighting Pilot vs Wildland Firefighter?

AspectPer Diem Firefighting PilotWildland Firefighter
Required CertificationsFAA pilot certifications, firefighting aviation trainingFirefighter certification, basic wildland training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, aerial firefighting operationsGround, forested areas, wildfire suppression
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, firefighting aviation servicesFederal, state, or local fire departments

Per Diem Firefighting Pilots operate aircraft to combat wildfires, requiring specialized pilot certifications and aviation training. Wildland Firefighters work on the ground in forested areas, focusing on direct fire suppression. Both roles are essential in wildfire management but differ significantly in work environment and required skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem firefighting pilot?

To excel as a Per Diem Firefighting Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, extensive flight hours (often in low-level and challenging environments), and specialized training in aerial firefighting. Familiarity with aircraft such as air tankers or helicopters, GPS navigation systems, and firefighting-specific certifications like Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) approval are typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These qualifications ensure safe and effective aerial firefighting operations, protecting both ground crews and communities at risk.

What cities are hiring for Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Per Diem Firefighting Pilot job openings:

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

The most popular types of Firefighting Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs include:

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs near you

Firefighting Pilot/H60 Pilot In Command

MHM Publishing Inc

La Grande, OR • On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 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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