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Per Diem Firefighting Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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

$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

Altus, 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 ...

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 ...

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Air Evac Lifeteam

Float Pilot Region 3

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$86K - $107K/yr

... 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 ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Float Pilot Region 4

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site +1

$83K - $104K/yr

... 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 ...

Ameriflight

BE-1900 Captain Cargo Pilot

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$87K/yr

Paid training, including transportation, lodging, and per diem * Company paid Type-Rating * Reimbursement for Pilot Medical Certificate (not retroactive to pre-hire) * Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Strike Team Pilot

O Fallon, MO

$22K/yr

Salaried position 15% geographical modifier to base pay $22,750.00 annual stipend Travel and per diem paid for all shifts 24-hour pilot housing provided Schedule 14-on/14-off JOB SUMMARY The Rotor ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Strike Team Pilot

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$22K/yr

Pilot Incentives: • Salaried position • 15% geographical modifier to base pay • $22,750.00 annual stipend • Travel and per diem paid for all shifts • 24-hour pilot housing provided • ...

Air Evac Lifeteam

Float Pilot Region 4

Oklahoma City, OK

$83K - $104K/yr

... 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 ...

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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 Jul 2, 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
Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilot

Survival Flight

Jerseyville, IL • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical

Posted 14 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Job Description:

Survival Flight is accepting resumes for a full-time Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) Pilot position flying a Bell 206 at our base in Jerseyville, Illinois. 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 shift

Required Experience:

  • 2000 hours total flight time (preferred)
  • 1500 hours helicopter PIC time
  • 500 hours turbine time
  • 100 hours unaided or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided
  • 500 cross-country time

Preferred Experience:

  • NVG Experience
  • HAA Experience
  • Bell 206/407 Experience
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's Degree

Education/Certifications:

  • Commercial Helicopter with Instrument Rating
  • Current class 1 or 2 medical
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Other:

  • Able to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship

Benefits 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.