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Wildfire Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - Q400 Summary Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the ...

Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the ...

RJ85 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - RJ85 Summary Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the ...

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

Spokane, WA · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Help protect communities from wildfire. PILOT - Q400 Summary Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the ...

Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

CH47-Pilot In Command

Thermal, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire ... Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments. Position Overview ...

Autonomy Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

You will collaborate directly with firefighters, pilots, and your engineering colleagues to determine and validate system requirements. What we do Rain integrates with early wildfire detection to ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Program Manager

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$76.65 - $92.80/hr

With expertise in utility operations, infrastructure modernization, wildfire resilience, climate ... programs, pilots, projects that advance Electric Operations priorities. This role serves as a ...

Senior Product Marketing Manager

$123K - $162K/yr

But extreme weather, aging infrastructure, and growing wildfire risks are putting this critical ... pilots, and determining how to enter new segments. * Run win/loss analysis and competitive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wildfire Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do wildfire pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildfire pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildfire pilot?

Wildfire pilots are highly trained aviators who operate aircraft to support firefighting efforts during wildfires. They may fly fixed-wing airplanes or helicopters to drop water, fire retardant, or transport crews and supplies to affected areas. Wildfire pilots play a critical role in controlling and containing wildfires, often working in dangerous and challenging conditions. Their expertise helps protect lives, property, and natural resources during fire emergencies.

What are the most common challenges faced by wildfire pilots during peak fire season?

Wildfire pilots often face rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility due to smoke, and rugged terrain that make each mission unpredictable and demanding. Coordinating with ground crews and other aircraft is crucial to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Pilots must also manage long hours and high stress, especially during peak fire season when response times are critical and missions can be back-to-back. Adapting quickly to evolving fire behavior and maintaining strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildfire pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildfire Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot license, extensive hours of flight experience—especially in low-level and challenging conditions—and specialized wildfire aviation training. Familiarity with aircraft such as air tankers or helicopters, GPS navigation systems, and wildfire management protocols is essential. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and calmness under pressure are critical soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, effective aerial firefighting operations and to protect both lives and property during wildfire emergencies.

What is the difference between Wildfire Pilot vs Firefighting Aircraft Pilot?

AspectWildfire PilotFirefighting Aircraft Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, wildfire suppression trainingCommercial Pilot License, firefighting aircraft operation training
Work EnvironmentWildfire areas, remote terrainsAirports, firefighting bases, aerial firefighting missions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, firefighting companiesGovernment agencies, private firefighting contractors

Wildfire Pilots and Firefighting Aircraft Pilots share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on aerial wildfire suppression. However, Wildfire Pilots often operate in remote, rugged terrains during active wildfires, while Firefighting Aircraft Pilots may work from bases and airports during coordinated firefighting efforts. Both roles are essential in aerial firefighting, with overlapping skills but different operational settings.

How much do wildfire pilots get paid?

Wildfire pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often operate specialized aircraft like airtankers and require certifications such as a commercial pilot license and firefighting training.

How to become a wildfire pilot?

To become a wildfire pilot, individuals typically need a commercial pilot license with a seaplane or multi-engine rating, along with experience flying large aircraft. Specialized training in aerial firefighting techniques and certifications in safety procedures are also required, and pilots often gain experience in general aviation or cargo flying before working in wildfire suppression.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildfire Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Wildfire Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Wildfire Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildfire Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Wildfire Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Q400 - FIREFIGHTING PILOT

afi

Spokane, WA

$82K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

FLY THE RJ85  |  FIGHT WILDFIRES  |  MAKE AN IMPACT

Aero-Flite is hiring Air Tanker Pilots.

Take your flying career to a different kind of mission. As an Aero-Flite Air Tanker Pilot, you’ll fly the Q400 in support of wildfire suppression operations, delivering aerial retardant where it matters most.

Bring your experience to the flight deck. Build your aerial firefighting career. Help protect communities from wildfire.

PILOT - Q400

Summary 

Air Tanker Pilot will make drops on wildfire suppression missions. Responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons on board during flight time.  Selected pilots will start in the right seat learning the aircraft and fire operations with the intend of transitioning to the left seat when time and experience allow.

Specific Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    Work as a team player under the direction of the Pilot in Command and Chief Pilot.
•    Conduct flight operations in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
•    Operate in accordance with company and agency Standard Operating Procedures.
•    Support the PIC to ensure regulatory, agency, and company policy compliance.
•    Ensure accurate pre-flight planning, loading, and performance calculations.
•    Verify airworthiness and report any concerns or discrepancies to the PIC.
•    Maintain expert working knowledge of aircraft and pilot associated documents.
•    Provide clear, relevant, and timely information to the PIC, ATC, and other fire resources.
•    Monitor aircraft systems, aircraft performance, and crew performance.
•    Adhere to all aircraft limitations and treat the equipment with care and respect.
•    Epitomize and promote Aero-Flite’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

 

Other Duties:
•    Assist with aircraft cleaning and pre/post season preparation.
•    Assist with various demonstrations and public service events.
•    Perform outreach and tours with the general public and firefighting community.
•    Perform maintenance flights as required.
•    Other duties as assigned by the Chief Pilot.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge:
•    Aeronautical – Expert knowledge of off-airport, IFR, and multi-crew operations
•    Regulatory – Expert knowledge of FAA regulations and procedures
•    Mechanical – Expert knowledge of aircraft systems
•    Human Factors – Expert knowledge of human factors and risk assessment
•    Customer Service - Knowledge of excellent customer service principles
•    Adaptability – Able to adapt to dynamic work environment with uncertain and fluid work schedules.

 

Abilities:
•    Aeronautical Decision Making – Awareness of associated risk factors and ability to make consistent, conservative, and timely decisions.
•    Airmanship – Apply knowledge, experience, training, situational awareness, skills, and discipline to command the machine to support the mission.
•    Troubleshooting/Critical Thinking – Determine cause and effect through expert knowledge of aircraft systems, malfunctions, and procedures to assist abnormal operations and maintenance.
•    Computer Literacy – Able to use IT tools to enhance training, productivity, and situational awareness.
•    Technical comprehension and writing – Ability to reference and understand manuals, critically analyze relationship between OEM procedures and company SOPS, and manage discrepancy logs and MEL.

 

Education and Experience

  • FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with multiengine land (MEL)  – (ATP preferred)
  • US Citizen or Official authorization to work in the United States, and valid Passport
  • 3,000 hours in airplanes
  • 1,000 hours PIC
  • 200 hours PIC multiengine 
  • 200 hours PIC multi-crew 
  • 100 hours in airplanes in preceding 12 months
  • 75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight
  • FAA Class II medical certificate
  • Fire experience – preferred
  • PIC flight time below 500 ft. - preferred

Competencies
•    Deadline oriented and organized
•    Detail oriented, independent, flexible, and self-starting.
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office.

 

Travel
Extensive travel within CONUS and Alaska. Occasional travel outside CONUS for training. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Valid Driver License

SIDA Badge

Valid Passport

 

The pay range for this position in Washington state is $82,000 - $115,000 annually. The annual rate is influenced by a variety of factors including, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and geographical locations. Employees will be eligible to enroll in the company's medical/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan with match contributions, company paid life & disability and financial wellness programs. Hired applicants will receive paid leave and may be eligible for bonuses. This information is provided per the WA State EPOA.