Is it hard to become an aerial firefighter?

How long do aerial firefighters work?

15. A CAL FIRE air tanker flies for 200 to 400 hours each year, while the helicopters are used for 150 to 400 hours. Some bases are much busier than others.

How much do airborne firefighters make?

What Is the Average Aerial Firefighting Salary by State

State Annual Salary Hourly Wage
Alabama $38,359 $18.44
California $38,273 $18.40
Louisiana $38,230 $18.38
Oregon $38,148 $18.34

What does it take to become a fire pilot?

Minimum Qualifications

1. At least 500 hours of mountain pilot-in-command helicopter flight time, routinely making landings in mountainous terrain above 4,000 feet MSL. 2. At least 500 hours of turbine helicopter time as pilot-in- command.

How much do forest fire pilots make?

The average salary for a Forestry Fire Pilot is $85,103 per year in United States, which is 35% lower than the average CAL Fire salary of $132,469 per year for this job.

What does an aerial firefighter do?


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How do you become an airtanker?


  1. 21+ years of age.
  2. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A.
  3. Tanker and Hazardous endorsement.
  4. Must be able to: Pass a 10-year criminal background check, together with a pre-employment drug screening and pass random drug tests. Pass DOT medical every year.

How much do Smokejumpers make?

A smokejumper earns around $16.00 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $24.00 per hour. Smokejumpers are paid nothing extra for making parachute jumps; however, they do receive hazard pay equivalent to 25 percent of their base pay when working on an uncontrolled wildfire.

What is the highest paying helicopter pilot job?

1. Nevada

Total Helicopter Pilot Jobs: 37
Average Annual Salary: $81,335
Lowest 10 Percent Earn: $47,000
Highest 10 Percent Earn: $140,000

How much do hotshots make?

How much does a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter make? The national average salary for a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter is $53,626 in United States. Filter by location to see Hotshot Wildland Firefighter salaries in your area.

How do you get into crop dusting?

The first step to become a crop duster is to earn a commercial pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration. This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours. Next attend agricultural pilot training.

How much do EMS pilots make?

Salary Ranges for Ems Helicopter Pilots

The salaries of Ems Helicopter Pilots in the US range from $18,985 to $515,665 , with a median salary of $92,687 . The middle 57% of Ems Helicopter Pilots makes between $92,687 and $233,642, with the top 86% making $515,665.

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How much do pilots earn?

According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states that the “the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,300 in May 2020, while the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers was $160,970”.

How do you become an air firefighter?

3 Steps to Become an Aerial Firefighter

  1. Step 1: Getting Your Pilot License/Certificate. Decide if you’d like to get or have a fixed wing or rotary pilot license. …
  2. Step 2: Getting Your Flight Hours. Most pilots have diverse backgrounds including military, bush and airline flying. …
  3. Step 3: Next Steps After Getting Hired.

How do you become a helitack firefighter?

Applicants must have at least a year of experience as a seasonal firefighter or a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Range Management, as well as a valid driver’s license. Prospective helitack crew members who apply prior to February 20 each year get first consideration for all available positions.

How much do crop dusters make?

The salaries of Aerial Crop Dusters in the US range from $34,800 to $147,890 , with a median salary of $76,150 . The middle 50% of Aerial Crop Dusters makes $76,150, with the top 83% making $147,890.