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Remote Air Tanker Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Copco

Service Technician

Santa Ana, CA · Remote

$34 - $42/hr

... remote monitoring, and air audits. * You will pressure wash and clean the customer's entire equipment pad including skids, coolers, concrete, tanks, etc. * You will communicate with the customer and ...

All JobsAir Tanker Pilot JobsRemote Air Tanker Pilot JobsRemote Air Tanker Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA

Remote Air Tanker Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$50.1K

$90.9K

$138.8K

How much do remote air tanker pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote air tanker pilot in Riverside, CA is $90,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $106,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Air Tanker Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Air Tanker Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, significant flight hours, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Familiarity with advanced avionics, GPS navigation systems, and tanker-specific equipment is typically required, along with recurrent certifications. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong teamwork skills help pilots safely and efficiently coordinate with ground crews. These competencies are vital for executing precise aerial drops in challenging environments and ensuring crew and public safety during wildfire suppression missions.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Remote air tanker pilots can earn around $200 to $400 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and the company. High-demand seasons and specialized skills may lead to higher pay, but $400 an hour is at the upper end of the range for this role.

What is a Remote Air Tanker Pilot?

A Remote Air Tanker Pilot is a specialized pilot who operates aircraft, often remotely or via advanced avionics, to drop water or fire retardant on wildfires. These pilots play a critical role in aerial firefighting, helping to control and suppress wildfires, often in challenging and hazardous environments. Their responsibilities include flying large air tankers, coordinating with ground crews, and ensuring precise delivery of firefighting materials. Remote Air Tanker Pilots typically require extensive flight experience, specialized training in wildfire operations, and a strong understanding of aviation safety protocols.

What is the difference between Remote Air Tanker Pilot vs Remote Firefighting Pilot?

AspectRemote Air Tanker PilotRemote Firefighting Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Tanker AircraftCommercial Pilot License, Type Ratings for Firefighting Aircraft
Work EnvironmentRemote aerial firefighting missions, often in remote areasRemote firefighting operations, often in wildfire zones
Employer & IndustryAir tanker companies, firefighting agenciesFirefighting agencies, private firefighting contractors

Both roles involve piloting aircraft for firefighting purposes, requiring similar certifications and working in remote, high-risk environments. The main difference lies in the specific aircraft and operational focus: Air Tanker Pilots operate large tankers for aerial fire suppression, while Firefighting Pilots may operate various aircraft for wildfire suppression. Both roles demand specialized skills and certifications, with overlapping work environments and industry usage.

How to become an air tanker pilot?

To become an air tanker pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine rating, significant flight experience, and specialized training in aerial firefighting operations. Many employers also require experience flying large aircraft and knowledge of safety protocols, often gained through military or civilian pilot training programs. Certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ongoing training are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Remote Air Tanker Pilots during wildfire response operations?

Remote Air Tanker Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and challenging terrain while responding to wildfires. Coordinating with ground crews and other aircraft in congested airspace requires strong communication skills and quick decision-making. Pilots must also manage fatigue during long shifts and remain adaptable as mission priorities can change quickly depending on fire behavior and containment strategies.

How much do air tanker pilots make?

Air tanker pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, employer, and flight hours. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications and extensive flight hours tend to earn higher salaries, especially during wildfire seasons or in remote environments.

Is there still a pilot shortage in 2026?

The aviation industry, including remote air tanker pilots, has experienced pilot shortages due to increased demand for wildfire suppression and aerial firefighting. This trend is expected to continue as the need for specialized pilots with relevant certifications and experience grows, making pilot roles in this field potentially more available in 2026.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Remote Air Tanker Pilot job openings:
Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Air Tanker Pilot job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 46% In-person, and 54% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,915 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Service Technician

Service Technician

Atlas Copco

Santa Ana, CA • Remote

$34 - $42/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Atlas Copco rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 486 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Your role


To best serve our customers, we are increasing our presence within our field service area. This supports our mission in providing safe and high-quality service that is performed with great efficiency to our customers. As a Service Technician, you are an important part of this mission. You will be close to your customers and service our products to provide a great customer experience. You will report to the Service Manager.

  • You will perform routine preventive service, troubleshoot and repair air compressors, air dryers (regenerative and refrigerated), drains, controllers, low pressure blowers
  • You will set, install, and pipe compressor systems.
  • You will display the ability to absorb a higher level of learning including VSD's, refrigeration, industrial networks, remote monitoring, and air audits.
  • You will pressure wash and clean the customer's entire equipment pad including skids, coolers, concrete, tanks, etc.
  • You will communicate with the customer and Service Manager regarding all services performed and clearly present all options for any required repairs, upgrades, or other customer needs
  • You will completely fill out all service-related documentation to include service reports, start-up forms, warranty forms, oil sample forms, and parts return documents,
  • You will attend training at our Air Academy and train with Senior Service Technicians
  • You will promote and practice proper safety procedures and correct use of personal protective equipment
  • Provide a high level of customer service & respond to customer needs while working to satisfy customer expectations.
  • You will participate in a rotating 24/7/365 on-call pool with other Technicians as scheduled by the Service Manager with travel to customer locations, including out-of-town and overnight travel & possible overnight travel depending on the assigned territory
  • You will be subject to random drug testing.
To succeed, you will need
  • You have 1-2 years of technical experience in the mechanical, maintenance, or electrical field.  Experience with the maintenance, overhaul, and repair of a wide variety of industrial equipment, including electrical, hydraulics and/or pneumatics is preferred.  Experience in HVAC a plus.
  • You are able to work independently and complete tasks within assigned deadlines.
  • You are customer-focused and take ownership of meeting the customer's needs.
  • You can use computers to complete work orders, ordering parts and training.
  • You can supply all basic required tools.
  • You will participate in occasional travel to Rock Hill, SC for paid training.
  • You are able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and work in industrial environments including extremes in temperature with continuous walking, reaching, bending, and kneeling. You have a basic understanding of mechanics and electrical theory.
  • You have the ability to use computers to complete work orders
  • A High School Diploma or equivalent is required, certifications are a plus (EPA Certified)
  • You have a valid driver's license and are fluent in English.

  • This position requires that you reside within reasonable commute (within 30 minutes to one hour) of the assigned territory. Proof of residency will be required. 

  • The position requires that you must be able to park a company issued, branded service vehicle at your place of residence without any restrictions.

In return, we offer

Choose your career with us!

Drive your Career, Explore Opportunities, Realize your Passion . . .

Attractive benefits Include:

  • Flexible benefits plan including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Generous 401 (k) retirement plan match in addition to an automatic contribution.
  • Competitive paid time off and sick time.
  • Life & Disability insurance.
  • Paid training
  • Excellent paternal, adoption, and maternal leave.
  • Equipped with a company vehicle, laptop, cell phone and uniform.
  • $34hr - $42hr. Salary based on knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary has been geographically adjusted based on cost-of-living factors. This position is overtime eligible and overtime begins after completing 8 work hours in a day.
Job location

Remote position
This role is fully remote.  You will be required to travel within a 1 - 2 hour radius surrounding Santa Ana, CA.  

Contact information

 Talent Acquisition Team: Tachelle Peeples

Uniting curious minds

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we unite curious minds, and you could be one of them.

Atlas Copco Compressors LLC is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants or any other persons involved in our operations on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, marital status, physical or mental disability, citizenship or immigration status, uniformed servicemember status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Atlas Copco Compressors LLC also strictly prohibits harassment of employees, applicants or any other persons involved in our operations based on any of these protected categories. These protections apply to all employment decisions, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and compensation.

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