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Utility Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IFR Pilot

London, KY · On-site

$100K/yr

This opportunity is ideal for experienced helicopter pilots who thrive in high-pressure ... Rotorcraft Operations - Helicopter EMS, utility, offshore, firefighting, and government aviation.

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$32/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... PJ Helicopters is an industry-leading Utility Helicopter Operator known for its state-of-the art ...

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... PJ Helicopters is an industry-leading Utility Helicopter Operator known for its state-of-the art ...

SIC Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... PJ Helicopters is an industry-leading Utility Helicopter Operator known for its state-of-the art ...

Call when needed pilots will have an opportunity to participate in Fire Suppression, Utility and ... PJ Helicopters is an industry-leading Utility Helicopter Operator known for its state-of-the art ...

WI · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

S2 is dedicated to innovation and reliability in supporting the utility sector. Role Description ... quality helicopter pilot training, ensuring stringent adherence to all safety protocols, and ...

Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ... utility helicopter experience - Experience supervising crews Work Environment - Field-based ...

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ... Previous firefighting or utility helicopter experience * Experience supervising crews * Field-based ...

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Utility Helicopter Pilot information

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$26

How much do utility helicopter pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility helicopter pilot in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility helicopter pilot?

A Utility Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters for a variety of missions, including transportation, surveillance, search and rescue, firefighting, and infrastructure support. These pilots often work for government agencies, military units, private companies, or emergency services. Their responsibilities include flight planning, aircraft maintenance checks, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They must be skilled in different flying conditions, sometimes in remote or hazardous environments. Proper licensing, training, and experience are required to qualify for this role.

What does a utility helicopter pilot do?

Utility Helicopter Pilots are often tasked with a variety of missions, such as aerial surveys, cargo and personnel transport, search and rescue operations, utility line inspections, and firefighting support. These assignments can involve flying in diverse and sometimes rugged environments, adapting to different weather and terrain conditions. You may work independently or as part of a coordinated team involving ground crews and other pilots. This role offers a dynamic mix of routine flights and unique, mission-driven challenges, providing valuable experience and opportunities for career progression within specialized sectors like emergency services or utility support.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a utility helicopter pilot?

To excel as a Utility Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, situational awareness, and an FAA commercial helicopter license with appropriate flight hours. Familiarity with GPS navigation, communication radios, and aircraft-specific avionics systems is essential. Strong decision-making, stress management, and teamwork skills are highly valued in this role. Mastery of these skills ensures safe operations, effective mission accomplishment, and the ability to adapt to varied and sometimes challenging flying conditions.

How do you become a utility helicopter pilot?

To become a utility helicopter pilot, you need to obtain a commercial helicopter pilot license from the relevant aviation authority, which requires completing flight training, accumulating a minimum number of flight hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications or ratings, such as a rotorcraft-rotorcraft category rating, may be required for specific tasks like aerial work or external load operations.

How much do utility helicopter pilots make?

Utility helicopter pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Experienced pilots with specialized certifications or in high-demand regions can earn higher salaries, especially when working in demanding environments or on specialized missions.

Is 40 too old to become a utility helicopter pilot?

Utility helicopter pilots can start their careers at age 40 or older, provided they meet the necessary requirements such as obtaining a commercial pilot license, flight hours, and medical certification. Age is less restrictive than physical fitness, experience, and training, which are essential for safety and certification standards in the industry.
More about Utility Helicopter Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Utility Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Utility Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Utility Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Utility Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Utility Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT (TITLE 32)

Army National Guard Units

Decatur, IL • On-site, Remote

$92K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Pilot Utility Helicopters (UH-60V) in support of the missions and functions of the geographical area.

  • Conduct reconnaissance, observation flights, and test flights, and perform system checks and maintenance-related flights.

  • Participate in all-weather search and rescue operations and operate from various types of landing strips.


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a HELICOPTER PILOT (TITLE 32), Position Description Number D2929000 and is part of the IL AASF 1, National Guard.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a HELICOPTER PILOT (TITLE 32), GS-2181-11/12, you will pilot Utility Helicopters (UH-60V) in support of the missions and functions of the geographical area.
Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:
  • Conduct reconnaissance and observation flights.
  • Provide transportation of cargo and transporting passengers, among a variety of familiar destinations
  • Routinely operate with short takeoffs and landing capability, in all types of weather, day, and night over a variety of terrains and open bodies of water.
  • Serve as a member of a board pertaining to aviation accidents, flight evaluation, collateral investigations, standardization, and federal recognition.
  • Conduct test flights and checks all systems in connection with maintenance actions and take necessary action to correct malfunctions
  • Conduct flight checks following repairs, maintenance, or installation of approved aircraft system modifications.
  • Perform maintenance operation checks (MOCs) and general test flights of aircraft to ensure airworthiness upon completion of extensive disassembly for maintenance, repair or replacement of components or aircraft systems.
  • Perform general test flights of aircraft upon completion of extensive disassembly, reassembly, and maintenance, repair, or replacement of parts where tests cannot determine the safe and or proper functioning of aircraft components or systems.
  • Participate in all-weather search and rescue operations utilizing a thorough knowledge of the terrain features of the geographical area.
  • Provide training and evaluating pilots at the lower level.
  • Operate from various types of landing strips which may be isolate or restricted in size.
  • Versed in advanced flight techniques such as flying outside of the recommended weight/velocity profile, close formation flying, operating at night in all weather conditions.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • IAW The Fair Chance Act, Agency employees may not request criminal history information at the point of initial application, upon receipt of an application, or prior to, during or after a job interview. If an Optional Form (OF) 306, Declaration of Employment is submitted prior to the point of a conditional offer, questions related to background information section may not be asked.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the Illinois National Guard and in the military grade listed in the announcement. This is required prior to the effective date of placement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • May be subject to uncommon tours of duty, rotational shift assignments and compensation and/or overtime duty.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing.
  • Must possess and continue to maintain a US Army Class II Flight Physical.
  • Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. Must provide copy of certifications with application.

Qualifications
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The area of consideration for this position, Title 32 Excepted Service (32 U.S. Code § 709), will be in the following manner and sequence:
  • The area of consideration for this position will be all excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG.

Military Grades: OFFICER ONLY - may not exceed rank of MAJ.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENT: MUST possess Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools. MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATION.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-12 Level - MUST possess at least one-year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating UH-60V, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experience in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experience in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experience in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experience in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experience in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experience in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives. GS-11 Level - MUST possess at least one-year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level. Must have competencies in operating UH-60V, mission planning, and mission preparation. Competence to review and analyze mission tasks, intelligence, and weather information. Experience in supervising and/or filing of flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experience includes aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experience in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations, surveillance, and/or reconnaissance. Skill to conduct training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experience may include developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experience in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experience in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.
Education
You must meet the following education requirements to qualify for this position: High school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum. Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
You must provide official transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.
Additional information
  • If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered, or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
  • If you are needing some extra information regarding Federal Resumes, you should consider these tips from USA Jobs: USAJOBS Help Center | What should I include in my federal resume.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US