While we don’t have hard figures on their ranks or the number of jobs that exist, demand for aerial firefighter pilots is increasing, industry experts say. “There are opportunities, but it’s not very well-organized,” says Dean Talley, an air tanker captain and board member of the Associated Aerial Firefighters. In fact, operators “are having a lot of trouble filling positions,” with retirements creating vacancies and brisk airline hiring draining the already-small applicant pool for aviation firefighters, the former Coast Guard and ag pilot says. The problem continues today.
How to Become an Aerial Firefighter Pilot
Key Takeaways:
- The aerial firefighting industry faces a significant pilot shortage despite increasing demand, primarily due to retirements and competition from brisk airline hiring.
- Pilots typically work seasonally for private companies contracted by federal or state agencies, operating a diverse fleet of fixed-wing aircraft (from SEATs to large tankers) and helicopters.
- Becoming a pilot in this field requires strong manual flying skills, often including tailwheel and low-level terrain experience, with no standard training program and varied career paths.
- Salaries are competitive, ranging from approximately $73,000-$113,800 for federal pilots to potentially over $300,000 for senior contract captains, and the industry is shifting towards year-round employment due to extended fire seasons.
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