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Relief Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew's adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies. The Master/Relief/Pilot navigates safely, supervises the crew, oversees safety ...

BUFFALO MARINE SERVICE INC

Wheelman

Houston, TX · On-site

The Master/Relief/Pilot is responsible for the crew's adherence to all United States Coast Guard and company policies. The Master/Relief/Pilot navigates safely, supervises the crew, oversees safety ...

Air Methods

RW Regional Relief Pilot - Midwest

KY · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

Overview RW Regional Relief Pilot - Midwest $40,000 Annual Stipend B407 / EC 130 $40,000 Sign-on Bonus (new hires only) Must Live in the Midwest Region (KY, OH, IL, IN, MO, KS, AR) AIR METHODS: GO ...

Air Methods

Fixed Wing Regional Relief Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$3.0K/wk

Up to $12,000 $15,000 Sign On Bonus This role is home-based and the pilot may live anywhere in the mentioned states (WA, OR, CA, AZ, NV) AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! As the leader in the ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

Air Methods

Regional Relief Helicopter Pilot

Central, TX

$79K - $99K/yr

Regional Relief Rotor Wing Pilot South Central Region EMS Air Medical Aircraft: B407, EC130, AS350 (VFR) $30,000 Stipend and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available Pilot must live in or be prepared to ...

Air Methods

Regional Relief Helicopter Pilot

Central, TX

$79K - $99K/yr

Regional Relief Rotor Wing Pilot South Central Region EMS Air Medical Aircraft: B407, EC130, AS350 (VFR) $30,000 Stipend and $15,000 Sign-on Bonus Available Pilot must live in or be prepared to ...

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do relief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for relief pilot in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do rescue pilots get paid?

Rescue pilots, also known as relief pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on whether they work for government agencies, private companies, or emergency services, and often include additional benefits such as overtime pay and hazard allowances.

How much does a Relief Pilot make?

A Relief Pilot's salary varies depending on experience, airline, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. They often work irregular hours and may need specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and type ratings for different aircraft.

What does a Relief Pilot do?

A Relief Pilot is a licensed pilot who temporarily takes over flying duties when the primary pilot is unavailable or needs rest, ensuring continuous flight operations. They assist with navigation, communication, and safety procedures, often working in commercial or cargo aviation environments and holding relevant certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. Relief pilots help maintain flight schedules and safety standards during long or complex flights.

What are the typical responsibilities and work schedules for a Relief Pilot?

A Relief Pilot is responsible for taking over flight segments from the main pilot or co-pilot during long-haul or multi-leg journeys to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance with rest requirements. This role often involves flexible and variable scheduling, sometimes including nights, weekends, and extended periods away from home. Relief Pilots are typically integrated into a larger flight crew, sharing cockpit duties, pre-flight preparations, and post-flight briefs. Their ability to step in seamlessly during critical moments helps maintain smooth operations and supports the well-being of the primary crew.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

High-paying pilot roles, such as airline captains for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with seniority, long-haul routes, and additional pay for overtime or bonuses. Corporate and private jet pilots with extensive experience and specialized certifications may also reach this level, but such salaries are typically reserved for those with many years of service and high-responsibility positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Relief Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relief Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong flight experience, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations and procedures. Familiarity with flight management systems (FMS), cockpit instrumentation, and company fleet-specific aircraft is usually required, along with relevant endorsements and type ratings. Exceptional teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability are essential for smoothly integrating into different crew rotations and flight operations. These skills ensure safe, seamless flight operations and effective support for the primary pilot in dynamic or long-haul environments.

What is a Relief Pilot job?

A Relief Pilot supports the primary flight crew by taking over flying duties during long-haul flights, ensuring proper rest periods for other pilots. They help manage cockpit operations, monitor flight progress, and assist with takeoffs and landings when required. Relief Pilots are typically employed on extended international routes where regulations mandate crew rest to maintain safety. While they may not be responsible for all phases of flight, they play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and safety throughout the journey.

More about Relief Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Relief Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Relief Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Relief Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Relief Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Relief Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Relief Pilot jobs are:
Relief Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Relief Rotor Wing Pilot - Full Time

Relief Rotor Wing Pilot - Full Time

Sanford Health

Sioux Falls, SD

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New

Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 531 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Work Shift:

12 Hours - Rotating Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Compensation:

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Specific individuals in this role may be used as the Relief Pilot. The Relief Pilot will provide pilot coverage at all Sanford Air Transport RW bases, including Bemidji, MN; Fargo, ND; Bismarck, ND and Sioux Falls, SD. Schedule will vary from month-to-month. Preferred primary location is Sioux Falls, SD.

Summary

The Relief Rotor Wing Pilot is a licensed rotor wing pilot who is assigned and oriented to Sanford Air Transport. The pilot is responsible for flying rotor wing flight missions requested by Sanford. Rotor wing pilots must comply with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Job Description

An experienced pilot. Directly responsible for all operations pertaining to the safe efficient conduct of the flight from initial dispatch until termination of the flight. Good working knowledge of the company Operations Manual, Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, Aircraft Flight Manual, and any other requirements pertinent to specific flights. Demonstrate interdisciplinary skills when working with team members. Effective critical thinking skills to problem solve and immediately respond to changing environments. Pilots must maintain a weight of 240 pounds or less when fully dressed in uniform. May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call. All pilots will share on-call and vacation coverage shifts.Consistently project a positive image of the institution when dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), physicians, patients, employees, and the public. All requirements put forth in FAR Part 119 and Part 135 must be met. The Relief Rotor Wing Pilot will provide pilot coverage at all Sanford Air Transport RW bases. Bemidji, MN; Fargo, ND; Bismarck, ND and Sioux Falls, SD. Schedule will vary from month-to-month.

Qualifications

Completed training to possess at least a Commercial Certificate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with a Rotorcraft Helicopter and an Instrument rating. An Airline Transport Pilot rating is preferred.Possess at least a current second class medical certificate, must be current in commercial and instrumentflying. The pilot must have successfully completed an approved training program and passed an FAA check ride Part 135 before flying as Pilot In Command on patient missions.
Minimum of 2,000 helicopter flight hours. Must meet minimum CAMTS flight experience requirements.
Possess a current Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter Certificate with an Instrument Rating. Possess a current Second Class Medical Certificate.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.


If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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