The helicopter pilot job market is thriving in 2025, with demand rising across emergency medical services (EMS), offshore oil transport, tourism, and law enforcement. As fleet expansions and retirements create new openings, pilots with the right credentials and experience are well-positioned to land high-paying, mission-driven roles. This guide highlights the top companies hiring helicopter pilots in 2025, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.
🏥 1. Air Methods Corporation
Industry: Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Headquarters: Greenwood Village, CO
🔗 Careers at Air Methods
Air Methods is one of the largest EMS helicopter operators in the U.S., with over 300 bases nationwide. Their pilots fly life-saving missions in rural and urban areas, often under challenging conditions.
- Roles Hiring: EMS Pilot, IFR Captain, Base Lead
- Requirements: FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License, 2,000+ flight hours, NVG experience
- Benefits: Paid training, health insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement
- Pro Tip: Emphasize any EMS, military, or night flying experience.
Air Methods remains one of the largest air medical transport providers in the U.S., with operations in over 40 states.
- Fleet Overview: Primarily operates Bell 407, Airbus H135, and EC130 helicopters.
- Training & Onboarding: Offers comprehensive simulator-based training and annual recurrent programs.
- Career Progression: Pilots can move into base lead roles, training captain positions, or transition to fixed-wing operations.
- Regional Bases: Strong presence in Colorado, Texas, and the Southeast.
🌊 2. PHI Air Medical
Industry: EMS & Offshore Transport
Headquarters: Lafayette, LA
🔗 PHI Air Medical Careers
PHI operates both medical and oil & gas transport helicopters. Their EMS division is expanding in underserved regions, while offshore pilots serve platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Roles Hiring: EMS Pilot, Offshore Captain
- Requirements: 1,500+ hours, instrument rating, NVG preferred
- Benefits: Housing stipend, per diem, safety bonuses
- Pro Tip: Offshore roles may require ATP and international flight experience.
PHI is known for its robust safety culture and long-standing reputation in both EMS and offshore operations.
- Fleet Overview: Utilizes Bell 429, EC135, and Sikorsky S-76 for offshore missions.
- Training & Onboarding: FAA-approved training centers with emphasis on CRM (Crew Resource Management).
- Career Progression: Clear pathways from EMS to offshore or international assignments.
- Regional Bases: Heavy concentration in Louisiana, Gulf Coast, and Alaska.
🛢️ 3. Bristow Group
Industry: Offshore Oil & Gas, SAR
Headquarters: Houston, TX
🔗 Bristow Careers
Bristow is a global leader in offshore helicopter services, supporting oil rigs and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and West Africa.
- Roles Hiring: Offshore Captain, SAR Pilot
- Requirements: 2,000+ hours, ATP preferred, multi-engine experience
- Benefits: Global travel, hazard pay, career advancement
- Pro Tip: International aviation experience and SAR certification are highly valued.
🏔️ 4. REACH Air Medical Services
Industry: EMS
Headquarters: Santa Rosa, CA
🔗 REACH Careers
REACH specializes in high-altitude and remote EMS operations. Their pilots often fly in mountainous terrain and weather-sensitive environments.
- Roles Hiring: EMS Pilot, Relief Pilot
- Requirements: 2,000+ hours, instrument rating, mountain flying experience
- Benefits: Relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling
- Pro Tip: Highlight terrain-specific experience and safety training.
🗺️ 5. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Industry: Tourism
Headquarters: Las Vegas, NV
🔗 Papillon Careers
Papillon offers scenic flights over the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip. Ideal for pilots who enjoy customer interaction and accumulating flight hours.
- Roles Hiring: Tour Pilot, Flight Operations Coordinator
- Requirements: 500+ hours, strong communication skills
- Benefits: Tips, flexible scheduling, scenic routes
- Pro Tip: Emphasize customer service and storytelling ability.
🚨 6. Metro Aviation
Industry: EMS & Law Enforcement
Headquarters: Shreveport, LA
🔗 Metro Careers
Metro Aviation supports EMS and law enforcement agencies across the U.S. They offer long-term career paths, advanced training, and stable schedules.
- Roles Hiring: EMS Pilot, Law Enforcement Support
- Requirements: 1,500+ hours, NVG and IFR experience
- Benefits: Paid training, equipment upgrades, government benefits
- Pro Tip: Law enforcement roles may require background checks and tactical certifications.
Metro Aviation provides both EMS services and aircraft completion/modification, giving pilots exposure to cutting-edge technology.
- Fleet Overview: Operates EC145, AS350, and custom-modified aircraft.
- Training & Onboarding: Offers in-house flight training and safety seminars.
- Career Progression: Opportunities in aircraft testing, training, and management roles.
- Regional Bases: Strong footprint in the Midwest and Southeast.
🛫 7. Sundance Helicopters
Industry: Tourism
Headquarters: Las Vegas, NV
🔗 Sundance Careers
Sundance is a major player in the Las Vegas tourism scene, offering luxury helicopter tours and charters.
- Roles Hiring: Tour Pilot
- Requirements: 500+ hours, customer service experience
- Benefits: Tips, flexible hours, scenic routes
- Pro Tip: A friendly demeanor and safety-first mindset go a long way.
🎓 How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Licensing & Flight Hours Explained
To land a job with top helicopter companies, candidates must meet strict FAA requirements and accumulate significant flight time. Here’s a typical pathway:
Required Certifications:
- Private Pilot License – Helicopter (PPL-H)
- Commercial Pilot License – Helicopter (CPL-H)
- Instrument Rating (IR) – essential for EMS and offshore roles
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – often used to build hours
Flight Time Benchmarks: - Minimum Total Time: 1,000+ hours
- Turbine Time: 100–200 hours preferred
- Night/IFR Time: Highly valued for EMS and SAR roles
Many pilots begin as instructors to build hours, then transition into commercial roles. Some companies partner with flight schools or offer tuition reimbursement for qualified candidates.
💼 How to Get Hired as a Helicopter Pilot: Application & Interview Tips
Landing a role with a top-tier helicopter company requires more than just flight hours. Here’s how to stand out and succeed in the application process:
📝 Resume Tips
- Emphasize turbine experience, IFR proficiency, and CRM skills
- Include base locations you’re willing to relocate to
- Highlight medical transport, offshore, or SAR missions
- Tailor your resume to each role
- Include total flight hours, aircraft types, and certifications
- Mention specialized training (NVG, SAR, offshore)
- Add a short cover letter that highlights your mission-readiness and safety record
🗣️ Interview Prep
- Expect scenario-based questions like: “How would you handle deteriorating weather mid-flight?”
- Be ready to discuss crew coordination, patient care ethics, and emergency protocols
- Demonstrate calm decision-making and a safety-first mindset
- Join pilot forums, LinkedIn groups, and aviation Facebook communities for insider advice
🔗 Where to Apply
Most companies post openings on their websites and aviation job boards like:
💰 Salary Expectations in 2025
| Role Type | Average Salary (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EMS Pilot | $75,000–$95,000 | Higher in rural areas |
| Offshore Captain | $90,000–$120,000 | Includes hazard pay |
| Tour Pilot | $50,000–$70,000 | Tips can boost income |
| SAR Pilot | $100,000+ | Specialized training required |
| Law Enforcement | $80,000–$100,000 | May include government benefits |
🧭 Career Path Comparison: EMS vs Offshore vs Tourism vs SAR
Choosing the right helicopter pilot path depends on your lifestyle, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Career Path | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMS (Air Medical) | High demand, meaningful work, stable schedule | Night shifts, remote bases | Pilots who value purpose and consistency |
| Offshore (Oil & Gas) | High pay, international travel | Harsh conditions, long rotations | Adventurous pilots with IFR experience |
| Tourism | Scenic routes, flexible hours | Seasonal work, lower pay | Social pilots who enjoy customer interaction |
| SAR (Search & Rescue) | High adrenaline, public service | Unpredictable hours, intense training | Pilots with military or tactical backgrounds |
❓ FAQs
What’s the minimum flight time to get hired?
Most companies require 1,500–2,000 hours, but tour operators may hire with less.
Do I need an ATP license?
Not always, but it’s preferred for offshore and international roles.
Can I work part-time?
Some tour and EMS roles offer flexible or seasonal schedules.
What certifications boost my chances?
NVG, IFR, ATP, and mountain flying experience are highly sought after.
Are relocation packages common?
Yes — especially for EMS and offshore roles in remote regions
