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Search Rescue Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Life Link III

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN

$53.74 - $67.11/hr

Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $53.74 - $67.11 per hour, based on experience * Earn up to $45,000 in retention bonuses over 3 ...

Life Link III

Rotor Wing Pilot

Alexandria, MN

$53.74 - $67.11/hr

Prior Search and Rescue Experience * ATP Certificate * Bachelor's degree What We Offer: * Base Pay Rate: $53.74 - $67.11 per hour, based on experience * Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage ...

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See Minnesota salary details

$16K

$55.1K

$112.2K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in Minnesota is $55,069.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,006.00 and $68,499.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectSearch RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, basic rescue trainingAdvanced rescue certifications, technical rescue training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, varied terrains, emergency situationsOutdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often specialized
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, militaryEmergency services, specialized rescue teams
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral search and rescue rolesTechnical rescue operations, specialized skills

Search Rescue involves basic to intermediate rescue efforts in outdoor environments, often performed by volunteers or general emergency personnel. Search and Rescue Technicians typically have advanced training and perform technical rescues in complex scenarios. While both roles focus on saving lives, Search and Rescue Technicians require specialized skills and certifications for technical rescue operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Search and Rescue roles, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Search and Rescue professionals often encounter physically demanding environments, unpredictable weather, and high-stress situations requiring quick decision-making. New team members should be prepared for irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and the need to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams such as emergency medical personnel and local law enforcement. Building strong physical fitness, staying current on technical rescue skills, and developing effective communication abilities are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to the team.

What Are Jobs in Search and Rescue?

Jobs in search & rescue, often abbreviated to SAR, involve supervising, training, planning, and coordinating SAR missions and crews that provide on-call support for emergencies and disasters. The duties and responsibilities of these jobs focus on directing staff during rescue efforts as well as volunteers who are helping search for missing people. These positions are found in law enforcement, national parks, the military, and even some non-profit organizations. SAR missions involve using planes, boats, or other exploration devices to traverse terrain, track signals, and otherwise locate people who need rescuing. Job qualifications include strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and knowledge of emergency response procedures, often backed by certifications such as EMT or wilderness first responder. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication equipment, and rescue tools like ropes and stretchers is essential. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure effective coordination, quick decision-making, and successful outcomes in high-stress, life-saving situations.

What are Search and Rescue professionals?

Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals are trained individuals who locate and assist people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their work may involve searching for missing hikers, rescuing disaster victims, or providing emergency medical assistance. SAR teams can include volunteers and professionals from various backgrounds such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and the military. Their operations often require specialized skills like navigation, first aid, and survival techniques. These professionals play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and saving lives.

What job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

In search and rescue roles, such high salaries are uncommon without specialized experience or leadership positions. Typically, high-paying jobs without a degree include certain sales, entrepreneurship, or executive roles, but these are not directly related to search and rescue work. Most rescue positions require training, certifications, and experience rather than high salaries without formal education.
More about Search Rescue jobs
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Search Rescue jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Search Rescue job openings:
Search Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,069 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Rotor Wing Pilot

Rotor Wing Pilot

Life Link III

Hibbing, MN

$53.74 - $67.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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: $53.74 - $67.11 per hour, based on experience
  • Earn up to $45,000 in retention bonuses over 3 years (Hibbing base specific)
    • Year 1: $10,000
    • Year 2: $15,000
    • Year 3: $20,000
  • 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.