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Sheriff Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Required helicopter flight experience: FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft ... Sheriff Aircraft Pilot About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

SHERIFF Opening Date: 05/11/2023 Closing Date: Continuous Position Information Amended: 5/18/23, 5 ... Required helicopter flight experience: * FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft ...

Sheriff Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do sheriff helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do FBI helicopter pilots make?

FBI helicopter pilots are federal employees and typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and location. They often require specialized training, security clearances, and experience in aviation or law enforcement. Salaries can vary based on agency budgets and specific assignments.

What is a Sheriff Helicopter Pilot job?

A Sheriff Helicopter Pilot is responsible for operating helicopters to support law enforcement missions such as search and rescue, surveillance, patrol, and suspect apprehension. They work closely with ground units to provide aerial support and enhance public safety. Pilots must have extensive flight training, a commercial helicopter pilot’s license, and often law enforcement experience. Duties may include night flying, emergency response, and transporting personnel or equipment.

What is the highest paid helicopter pilot job?

The highest paid helicopter pilots are often those working in specialized roles such as offshore oil rig support, executive transport, or search and rescue in high-risk environments. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Salary varies based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

How to become a police chopper pilot?

To become a police helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot's license with rotorcraft ratings, relevant flight experience, and specialized training in law enforcement operations. Many agencies require a background in aviation, law enforcement, or military service, along with good physical health and certification in emergency procedures.

What are the typical daily duties and work environment for a Sheriff Helicopter Pilot?

As a Sheriff Helicopter Pilot, your daily duties often include conducting patrol flights, participating in search and rescue missions, supporting ground units during pursuits, and assisting with surveillance or emergency response. You typically work as part of an aviation unit within a law enforcement agency, partnering closely with law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and sometimes medical personnel. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, sometimes involving long or irregular hours, with readiness to respond to urgent calls at a moment's notice. Close teamwork, clear communication, and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to ensure both mission success and crew safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sheriff Helicopter Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sheriff Helicopter Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, a commercial helicopter pilot license, and thorough knowledge of aerial navigation and law enforcement procedures. Proficiency with aviation instruments, GPS systems, and communication equipment, as well as certifications such as an FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License and sometimes an instrument rating, are typically required. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safe, effective support during law enforcement operations and emergency response situations.

How much do police helicopters make?

Police helicopter pilots, including sheriff helicopter pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency size. Higher salaries are common in larger departments or regions with a higher cost of living, and pilots often require specialized training and certifications such as FAA rotorcraft ratings.
More about Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sheriff Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Kern County

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Kern County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 833 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information Amended: 5/18/23, 5/24/23, 7/30/24 This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. Examination: Appraisal (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of application. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/ Employment Standards: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND the following certifications/licenses: Valid and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate issued by an authorized medical examiner (AME). Valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License

AND Option I: Required helicopter flight experience: FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating. Minimum 2000 hours PIC Helicopter flight time Minimum 500 hours in medium (Type 2) turbine powered helicopters. Minimum 500 hours PIC in mountainous terrain, routinely making takeoffs and landings to unimproved landing areas at density altitudes exceeding 4500' MSL.

Night Vision Goggle endorsement with a minimum of 200 hours PIC flight time utilizing Night Vision Goggle devices. Minimum 500 hours PIC performing low-level missions in law-enforcement patrol, search and rescue, vertical reference operations over mountainous or forested areas, or comparable fire service or military operations. Desired Helicopter Flight Experience Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement Vertical reference and external load operations experience UH-1H or other similar Bell Helicopter OR Option II: Required Fixed-Wing experience: FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Airplane-Multi Engine Land (AMEL) rating.

Airplane Instrument Rating. Minimum 1500 hours PIC Airplane. Minimum 200 hours in PIC Category and Class (ASEL or AMEL).

Minimum 100 hours of PIC night flight time. Minimum 75 hours of PIC flight time solely by reference to instruments (actual/simulated). Desired Fixed-Wing Experience: Certified Flight Instructor Airplane Instrument Flight Instructor Airplane (CFII) Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) PHYSICAL STANDARDS: Physical Examination: In addition to requiring a Class II Medical Certificate, a rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required.

The examination includes spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electro-cardiograph tests. Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Vision: 20-100 uncorrected in each eye, corrected to 20-20, no color deficiency.

No permanent or progressive eye abnormalities. Hearing: No hearing deficiency. Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.

Felony law violations will be disqualifying, and, except for a limited number of traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may be disqualifying. Please ensure all applicable certificates are attached with your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application or have any questions regarding this recruitment, you may contact Nesrine Annan at annann@kerncounty.com or call at 661-868-3108

Full Job Description for: Sheriff Aircraft Pilot About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us: Growth Mindset We always encourage our employees to grow and develop.

Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth. Additional Information Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification.

Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. A background check may be conducted for this classification. Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made at Kern County Sheriff's Office. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page. This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

Kern County Sheriff's Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here. Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.


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