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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Survival Flight

Helicopter Pilot

Eureka Springs, AR · 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

Alva, OK

$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 · 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

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 Inc.

Helicopter Pilot

Alva, OK · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

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

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 ...

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

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

Alva, OK · 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

Alva, OK · 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

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 ...

Haven Health Group

$96 - $124/hr

Support pilot programs and new service lines as Haven Health scales. Collaboration & Culture * Work ... Want the flexibility of per-diem work without stepping away from meaningful, mission-driven ...

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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:

Per Diem Firefighting Pilot jobs near you

Helicopter Pilot

Survival Flight

Eureka Springs, AR • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Re-posted 4 days ago

Survival Flight rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job DescriptionSurvival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 407 at our base in Eureka Springs, AR. We are certain that you will find a home amongst our family of aviation professionals, world-class medical providers, and skilled mechanics. Together, you will be part of a team that leverages skill and experience to SAFELY deliver next-level care to those in need with speed and purpose.By choosing Survival Flight, you can trust that you are selecting an air medical provider that holds itself to the highest safety and quality standards for our crews and our patients. Our accreditations from both the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA Global) testify to our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients. Join our team and be a part of an organization that prioritizes excellence in every aspect of our operations.Pilot Incentives:Starting base salary ranges between $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience and qualifications$15,000 sign-on bonus to be paid upon completion of new hire training subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the sign-on bonus $45,000 retention bonus to be paid out during the first 36 months of employment subject to meeting all eligibility criteria for the bonus 7/7 or 14/14 schedule, depending on location Off duty and away from base pilot housing provided at each base Annual aviation medical exam reimbursement 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 Stipend- $300 per month (greater than 60 miles of base) Relocation Package (if you currently reside further than 100 miles from your assigned based) $500 Work Over Bonus per shiftRequired Experience:2000 hours total flight time (preferred)1500 hours helicopter PIC time500 hours turbine time100 hours unaided or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided500 cross-country timePreferred Experience:NVG ExperienceHAA ExperienceBell 206/407 ExperienceATP CertificateBachelor's DegreeEducation/Certifications:Commercial Helicopter with Instrument RatingCurrent class 1 or 2 medicalHigh School Diploma or equivalentOther:Able to work in the US for any employer without sponsorshipBenefits for all full-time team members:100% employer paid medical insurance for the team member (several plans available) Survival Flight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Survival Flight is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Survival Flight are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, sexual orientation, past or present military service, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the states in which we operate. Survival Flight will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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