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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parish Transport

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

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 ...

Parish Transport

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

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 ...

RLC, LLC

Helicopter Pilot - 2026

Broussard, LA · On-site

$90K/yr

Job Summary RLC hires and trains the safest Pilots to transport our customers throughout the Gulf ... Base pay, Bonuses and Per Diem total over $90,000 for VFR Captains.

RLC, LLC

Helicopter Pilot - 2026

Broussard, LA · On-site

$90K/yr

Job Summary RLC hires and trains the safest Pilots to transport our customers throughout the Gulf ... Base pay, Bonuses and Per Diem total over $90,000 for VFR Captains. Powered by JazzHR

RLC, LLC

Helicopter Pilot - 2026

Broussard, LA · On-site

$90K/yr

Job Summary RLC hires and trains the safest Pilots to transport our customers throughout the Gulf ... Base pay, Bonuses and Per Diem total over $90,000 for VFR Captains.

RLC, LLC

Helicopter Pilot - 2026

Broussard, LA · On-site

Job Summary RLC hires and trains the safest Pilots to transport our customers throughout the Gulf ... Base pay, Bonuses and Per Diem total over $90,000 for VFR Captains. Powered by JazzHR jKdYmc1w2u

Rotor Blade, LLC

Pilot

Georgetown, SC · On-site

Aerial Saw Pilot Position Overview Our company is seeking highly skilled and experienced MD500 ... Competitive compensation package, including per diem and travel accommodations * Comprehensive ...

Rotor Blade, LLC

Pilot

Georgetown, SC · On-site

Aerial Saw Pilot Position Overview Our company is seeking highly skilled and experienced MD500 ... Competitive compensation package, including per diem and travel accommodations * Comprehensive ...

Main Line Health

Per Diem, Paramedic

Media, PA

NREMT-P, PHTLS, BTLS, PALS, NALS, Firefighting 1 or equivalent. Additional Information * Requisition ID: 80231 * Employee Status: Regular * Schedule: Per Diem * Shift: Day Job * Pay Range: $36.00 ...

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 ...

Hillsboro Aviation

Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

... aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is ... The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals. * Additional utility operations may be ...

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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Jun 6, 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, and why are they important?

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

Per Diem Fire Fighter/EMT

Town of Essex/Village of Essex Junction

Essex, VT • On-site

$20/hr

Per diem

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Town of Essex, Vermont is seeking multiple Fire Fighter/EMT's to assist with the day-to-day operations of the department's available per-diem shifts, under the direction of the assigned officer of the day. The per-diem Firefighter/EMT will ensure the Town of Essex and the Fire Department's mission, values and goals are met, and policies are followed. The Fire Fighter/EMT will respond to all emergencies while on shift, ensure apparatus and gear are mission ready and perform various other tasks such as station and apparatus cleaning and maintenance. The Level 2 position will also serve as the acting officer on duty during their assigned shifts.
The Essex Fire Department has 80 per diem hours available each week, these hours will be allocated based on the number of chosen candidates, their skill sets, their availability, and the needs of the department. The qualified candidate for a Level 1 Position must have a minimum of 1 years relevant Fire and EMS experience, completion of a basic firefighting class such as Chittenden County Basic Class, an EMT Certification, and a valid driver's license. Experience with apparatus driving and pumping is preffered. A qualified candidate for a Level 2 Position must have a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, a Fire Fighter 2 Certification, an EMT Certification, a valid driver's license, and experience with apparatus driving and pumping.
The Full Level 1 Job Description can be found here.
The Full Level 2 Job Description can be found here.
The salary for the Level 1 position is $18.00 per hour. The salary for the Level 2 position is $20.00 per hour. Candidates can apply online by clicking "Apply for this Job". If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be picked up at 81 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. These positions are open until filled.
The Town of Essex is an equal opportunity employer.

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