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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary ... This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - Q400 Summary ... This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.

Pilot Car Escort

Ellisville, MS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

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 ...

NREMT-P, PHTLS, BTLS, PALS, NALS, Firefighting 1 or equivalent. Additional Information * Requisition ID: 82420 * Employee Status: Regular * Schedule: Per Diem * Shift: Day Job * Pay Range: $36.00 ...

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 ...

Cessna Citation Pilot

Baden, PA · On-site

$120 - $230/hr

Cessna Citation Pilot Position Title: Cessna Citation Pilot Aircraft: Cessna Citation Sovereign ... Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan, per diem, and recurrent training #J-18808 ...

Cessna Citation Pilot Aircraft: Cessna Citation Sovereign (680) Operation Type: FAA Part 91 (Non ... Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan, per diem, and recurrent training #J-18808 ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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:

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

afi

Spokane, WA • On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

FLY THE RJ85  |  FIGHT WILDFIRES  |  MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you’ll fly the RJ85 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.

Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.

PILOT - RJ85

Summary 

Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time.  Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.

Specific Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
•    Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
•    Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
•    Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
•    Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
•    Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
•    Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
•    Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
•    Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
•    Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
•    Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

 

Other Duties:
•    Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
•    Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
•    Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
•    Perform maintenance flights as required.
•    Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge:
•    Aeronautical – Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
•    Regulatory – Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures
•    Mechanical – Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
•    Human Factors – Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
•    Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
•    Adaptability – Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

 

Abilities:
•    Aeronautical Decision Making – Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
•    Airmanship – Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
•    Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking – Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance.
•    Computer Literacy – Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
•    Technical comprehension and writing – Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL.

 

Education and Experience

  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL)  – (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine 
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew 
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience – preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Competencies
•    Deadline oriented and organized
•    Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office.

 

Travel
Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.