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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Jerseyville, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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

... 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 Stipend- $300 per ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Float Pilot Region 6

Little Rock, AR · On-site +1

... hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services Air Evac Lifeteam ... 50.00/Day Per Diem and paid travel/accommodations while on shift Retention Bonus plans ($40,000 ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR

$90K - $110K/yr

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

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... 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 ...

Ameriflight LLC

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Pampa, TX · On-site

$87K/yr

Paid training, including transportation, lodging, and per diem * Ability to bid specific base ... Reimbursement for Pilot Medical Certificate (post-hire only) * Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

Ameriflight

BE-1900 Captain - Cargo Pilot

Pampa, TX · On-site

$87K/yr

Paid training, including transportation, lodging, and per diem * Ability to bid specific base ... Reimbursement for Pilot Medical Certificate (post-hire only) * Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

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Showing results 21-40

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

Float Pilot Region 4

Global Medical Response

Oklahoma City, OK

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Global Medical Response rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today! We’re hiring a Helicopter Pilot to provide medical air transportation services Air Evac Lifeteam’s customers. Safety is a key pillar of our services

           Salary range $100,071 - $110,079

 

$15K Sign on Bonus

$12K Float Stipend

$50.00/Day Per Diem and paid travel/accommodations while on shift

Retention Bonus plans ($40,000 after 3 years plus additional retention bonuses once completed)

Responsibilities

  • Working with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and Air Evac Lifeteam requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties
  • Maintain accurate AEL and regulatory documentation and record keeping
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with dispatch, flight crews, facilities, and partners
  • Provide shift change info to successive pilot and team following protocol for recording Air Evac Lifeteam change board details
  • Accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing training

MinimumRequirements

  • Current Rotorcraft FAA Commercial Certificate
  • Helicopter instrument rating
  • Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours
  • 1,500 Helicopter Hours
  • 1,000 Helicopter PIC Hours
  • 500 Turbine Helicopter Hours
  • 200 Helicopter Night Flight Hours (Aided or Unaided)
  • 230 pound weight limit with flight gear

Preferred Qualifications

  • B206 Aircraft Experience 
  • High School Diploma/Equivalent or Higher

Upload your Pilot License and FAA Medical Certificate

 

Why Choose Air Evac Lifeteam? As a leader in air medical care, Air Evac Lifeteam is one of Global Medical Response’s (GMR) family of solutions. Our GMR teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services. View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world at www.AtaMomentsNotice.com. Learn how our values are at the core of our services and vital to how we approach care and check out our comprehensive benefit options at GlobalMedicalResponse.com/Careers


EEO Statement

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Check out our careers site benefits page to learn more about our benefit options.

R0053201Qualifications:

Global Medical Response and its family of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes supporting veterans and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Global Medical Response employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Global Medical Response logo

About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. With more than 38,000 employees, Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018

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