1

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Minnesota

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN · On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

... Helicopter flight hours * 1000 hours PIC in category * 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time * 200 ... Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay ...

May 29 2026 Apply now Back to search Requisition Number: 513521 Why North Memorial Health? At North ... Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ...

Jul 17 2026 Apply now Back to search Requisition Number: 514111 Why North Memorial Health? At North ... Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ...

Jul 24 2026 Apply now Back to search Requisition Number: 514114 Why North Memorial Health? At North ... Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ...

Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)

Ely, MN · On-site +1

$92K - $144K/yr

... search and rescue and law enforcement support. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jeremy Harmon at jeremy.harmon@usda.gov. Learn more about this agency ...

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$70K

$98.2K

$121K

How much do search rescue helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue helicopter pilot in Minnesota is $98,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search rescue helicopter pilot?

A Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to locate and assist individuals in distress, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their duties include flying in various weather conditions, coordinating with rescue teams, and performing emergency evacuations. They work for military, government, or private organizations, responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, lost hikers, or maritime incidents. Extensive training, flight experience, and certifications are required to ensure safety during high-risk operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search rescue helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a thorough knowledge of aeronautical navigation and meteorology, and a commercial or air transport pilot license with specialized search and rescue (SAR) training. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, night vision equipment, hoist operations, and radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making abilities, teamwork, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and effective mission execution in challenging and often life-threatening situations.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a search rescue helicopter pilot?

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilots often work irregular hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, as emergencies can occur at any time. The role can involve long shifts and rapid response to urgent calls, with time spent both in-flight and on standby at a base. Pilots typically operate as part of a highly coordinated team, collaborating closely with crew members, paramedics, and ground rescue personnel. Work conditions can be physically and mentally demanding, especially in adverse weather or challenging terrain, but the position is rewarding for those who are passionate about saving lives and making a tangible impact.

What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

For Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,185 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Rotor Wing Pilot

Life Link III

Alexandria, MN • On-site

$54.06 - $74.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Who Are We:
Life Link III is a premier, nationally recognized air medical transport company, known for our clinical excellence, superior aviation program and reliable response in providing care to critically ill or injured patients. Our priority is to do everything possible to give every patient their best chance for the best possible outcome - demonstrated by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients while on board safe, state-of-the-art aircraft. We continually focus on innovation and work to put cutting-edge technology and education in the hands of our flight medical crew, pilots, mechanics, operational control specialists and communication specialists so we can provide uncompromising care to the communities we serve. We do this work while living out our core values of safety, customer focus, excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying state-of-the-art aircraft to transport medical crews and patients to the care they need. You'll play a vital role in every mission, ensuring safe and professional flights while navigating complex aviation regulations and company procedures. In this position, you'll combine your expert piloting skills with a commitment to safety, teamwork, and making a real difference for patients and their families.
Your Impact:
  • Responsible for safety of passengers and crew, and oversees all flights accepted
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with flight crew, dispatch and partners
  • Actively shares flight knowledge with team members and serves as a resource to discuss transport, flight operations, and other work-related topics
  • Follows all regulations, manuals, and company policies during flights
  • Completes flight documentation accurately and promptly
  • Supervises loading of aircraft, refueling and ensures safe weight and balance
  • Adheres to proper Crew Resources Management (CRM) technique
  • Actively participates in the Life Link III Safety Management System
  • Responsible for pertinent information regarding all flights, including NOTAMs, TFRs, and weather information
  • Work cohesively as a unit to accomplish all Life Link III assignments including patient transfers
  • Responsible for maintaining qualifications as required in CFRs
  • Proactively pursues professional growth and supports the learning and development of others

Your Qualifications:
  • Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating for category and class of aircraft
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • 2000 total flight hours or meets CAMTS equivalency
  • 1500 hours Helicopter flight hours
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time
  • 200 hours of cross country
  • 50 hours of unaided night can be accepted with a minimum of 100 hours of aided night
  • 50 hours of hood or actual time instrument time in flight in category. (Simulator time does not count.) A pilot that is dual qualified in fixed wing with 100 hours of actual instrument time can reduce this requirement to 25 hours.
  • Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in HAA operations
  • Prior Search and Rescue Experience
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree

What We Offer:
  • Base Pay Rate: $54.06 - $74.83 per hour, based on experience
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage starting the first of the month following date of hire
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • 401k with employer match fully vested
  • Generous paid leave and paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance
  • Tuition/Training reimbursement program
  • 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule
  • Annual $100 boot reimbursement
  • Company use of aircraft to obtain ATP

Why Join Life Link III?
We are dedicated to making a difference. Our mission-driven culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll work alongside passionate professionals in a CAMTS accredited, award-winning program that is committed to improving patient outcomes all while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
Compliance/HIPAA:
Must perform work in the manner prescribed by documented work process in order to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, accreditation standards and laws that apply, specifically work processes that involve billing practices, for avoiding activities that constitute fraud and abuse.
Employment Status Requirements:
Life Link III does not sponsor employment visas of any kind. As a pre-condition of employment, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Life Link III is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and believe in providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our commitment to an equitable workplace extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and termination. We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and where all individuals can thrive professionally.
If you require any accommodations to apply or participate in our hiring process, please contact the Life Link III Human Resources team.