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Remote Air Tanker Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Merrimack, NH · On-site +1

$26.74/hr

Experience as a computer operator, RPO, air traffic control specialist, or (student) pilot is ... The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow ... Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate ...

Adacel Systems, Inc.

Remote Pilot Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions, communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities ...

Adacel Systems, Inc.

Remote Pilot Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions, communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities ...

NASC

UAS Pilot

West Palm Beach, FL · Remote

Mobile Air Command (MAC) setup * Preflight and postflight inspections * Launch and recovery ... Possess a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate (required) * High school diploma (minimum)

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Remote Air Tanker Pilot information

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$48K

$87.1K

$133K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote air tanker pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 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.
More about Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Air Tanker Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs are:
Remote Air Tanker Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Air Tanker Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Remote Pilot Operator

PenBay Media LLC

Merrimack, NH • On-site, Remote

$26.74/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

PenBay is looking for motivated, computer-savvy individuals to work as Remote Pilot Operators. No aviation experience is required, but helpful. Experience as a computer operator, RPO, air traffic control specialist, or (student) pilot is highly desirable. Candidates that have completed aviation studies coursework, are certified in the terminal radar lab or en route lab, or otherwise possess a working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 are preferred.
Position Summary:
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV Pilot / Operator position
This is a Full-time position
Requirements
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in a comparable position.
Demonstrated minimum keyboard speed of forty (40) wpm with ninety (90) percent accuracy rate
Ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals
Ability to speak clearly and be understood
Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc), desirable
Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.) a plus
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team, preferred
Candidates will be subject to FAA security screening
Competencies and Skills:
RPO must be laboratory certified within the first 120 days calendar days of reporting for duty at the facility.
Exceptional customer service orientation
Ability to work productively with a wide range of people and co-workers
Effective oral and written communication skills
Effective team building skills
Certification Requirements:
Each new RPO shall complete knowledge and skills tests for each area/sector to be supported.
Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%.
Upon successful completion of the knowledge tests, the RPO will begin training for the skills tests. The RPO shall observe a previously certified RPO, an FAA employee, or Contractor instructor performing RPO duties on a minimum of five (5) simulation scenarios. The RPO will receive on the job training on at least five (5) but no more than twenty (20) simulation scenarios on each control position to be supported, after which an FAA representative will observe their performance and determine if certification will be granted.
The RPO shall achieve simulation laboratory certification within one hundred twenty (120) days of reporting for duty at the facility.
Salary Description
$26.74 p/h

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