HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Portland, OR · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Portland, OR · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Gresham, OR · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Gresham, OR · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Vancouver, WA · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
Aviation Officer
Vancouver, WA · On-site
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...
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 ... Helicopter Total Time: 3,500 * Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter * Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 ...
Quick apply
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 ... Helicopter Total Time: 3,500 * Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter * Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...
Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot information
See Portland, OR salary details
$75.8K - $80.8K
0% of jobs
$80.8K - $85.9K
4% of jobs
$85.9K - $90.9K
12% of jobs
$90.9K - $95.9K
8% of jobs
$98K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$95.9K - $100.9K
3% of jobs
The median wage is $104.6K / yr.
$100.9K - $105.9K
31% of jobs
$110.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$105.9K - $110.9K
17% of jobs
$110.9K - $115.9K
2% of jobs
$115.9K - $120.9K
4% of jobs
$120.9K - $126K
15% of jobs
$126K - $131K
3% of jobs
$75.8K
$106.3K
$131K
How much do search rescue helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?
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 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.

United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
ABOUT
The U.S. Navy operates more than 3,700 aircraft, making it the second largest air force in the world — second only to the U.S. Air Force. Below are the careers in aviation that work together to get our birds in the sky.
AVIATION JOBS IN THE NAVY
FIGHTER PILOT - Complete complex air maneuvers while flying at Mach speeds. Catapult off carriers at 170 mph and land on moving runways only 300 feet long. Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions—all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II.
AIRCRAFT HANDLING OFFICER - Every performance needs a choreographer and on the deck of an aircraft carrier, that person is you. You’re in charge of directing the movement of the entire flight deck from the jet launch sequence to aircraft recovery.
FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you’re on patrol as the command control center in the sky. If you’re flying the P-3 Orion or the brand-new P-8 Poseidon, you hunt submarines using cutting- edge software, radar, sonar, and acoustics.
HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy submarines in defense of your ship.
NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER - In this role, you’re the navigator, the lookout and the weapon operator inside naval aviation. Whether you’re hunting submarines from a P-8 Poseidon, navigating an E-2 Hawkeye through enemy territory or dropping bombs from the backseat of an F-18 fighter jet.
AVIATION MAINTENANCE DUTY OFFICER - You’re in charge of managing the repair and upkeep of our most lethal aviation assets—over eighty different types of aircraft. In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of organization and focus that few can say they’ve mastered.
PAY AND BENEFITS
From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- 30 days paid vacation per year
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs, including:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Navy Tuition Assistance Program
- Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Navy War College (NWC)
- USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Students may apply in last 12 months of pursuing degree
- U.S. citizen or equivalent
- 17 years of age or older
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
In the field of aviation, you’ll make the world your home. You may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons on almost any continent. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments—airborne aircraft, hangars, flight decks, flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
Some of the above aviation jobs in the Navy Reserve are open only to prior or current military aviators.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US