Introduction to High Paying Helicopter Jobs
The world of helicopter aviation offers a wide range of career opportunities, from medical transport to offshore operations. For those who are passionate about flying and willing to undergo the necessary training, a career in helicopters can be both rewarding and lucrative. In this article, we will explore some of the highest paying helicopter jobs, including their responsibilities, requirements, and average salaries.
1. Helicopter Pilot for Offshore Oil Rigs
Helicopter pilots who work for offshore oil rigs are responsible for transporting workers and supplies to and from oil platforms. This job requires a high level of skill and experience, as well as the ability to work in challenging weather conditions. To become a helicopter pilot for offshore oil rigs, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license and accumulate a significant amount of flight experience.
🚁 Note: A background check and drug screening are typically required for this position.
The average salary for a helicopter pilot working on offshore oil rigs is around 100,000 per year, although experienced pilots can earn upwards of 150,000 per year.2. Medical Helicopter Pilot
Medical helicopter pilots transport patients to and from medical facilities, often in emergency situations. This job requires a strong understanding of medical procedures and the ability to work well under pressure. Medical helicopter pilots must also be able to navigate through challenging weather conditions and tight spaces. The average salary for a medical helicopter pilot is around 90,000 per year, although experienced pilots can earn upwards of 120,000 per year.
3. Helicopter Tour Pilot
Helicopter tour pilots take tourists on scenic flights over popular destinations, such as the Grand Canyon or New York City. This job requires a strong knowledge of the area being flown over, as well as the ability to provide informative and engaging commentary to passengers. To become a helicopter tour pilot, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license and accumulate a significant amount of flight experience. The average salary for a helicopter tour pilot is around 80,000 per year, although experienced pilots can earn upwards of 100,000 per year.
4. Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot
Search and rescue helicopter pilots are responsible for locating and retrieving people in distress, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas. This job requires a high level of skill and experience, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. The average salary for a search and rescue helicopter pilot is around 70,000 per year, although experienced pilots can earn upwards of 90,000 per year.
5. Helicopter Flight Instructor
Helicopter flight instructors teach students how to fly helicopters, both privately and commercially. This job requires a strong knowledge of helicopter operations and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. To become a helicopter flight instructor, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. The average salary for a helicopter flight instructor is around 60,000 per year, although experienced instructors can earn upwards of 80,000 per year.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Pilot for Offshore Oil Rigs | 100,000 per year</td> <td>Commercial pilot's license, significant flight experience</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Medical Helicopter Pilot</td> <td>90,000 per year | Commercial pilot’s license, medical knowledge, significant flight experience |
| Helicopter Tour Pilot | 80,000 per year</td> <td>Commercial pilot's license, significant flight experience, knowledge of area being flown over</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot</td> <td>70,000 per year | Commercial pilot’s license, significant flight experience, ability to work well under pressure |
| Helicopter Flight Instructor | $60,000 per year | Commercial pilot’s license, certified flight instructor (CFI) rating, ability to communicate complex information |
In conclusion, a career in helicopters can be both rewarding and lucrative, with a wide range of high paying job opportunities available. Whether you’re interested in flying for offshore oil rigs, medical transport, or search and rescue operations, there’s a helicopter job out there to suit your skills and interests. With the right training and experience, you can earn a good salary and enjoy a challenging and rewarding career in the world of helicopter aviation.
What is the average salary for a helicopter pilot?
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The average salary for a helicopter pilot varies depending on the specific job and location, but can range from 60,000 to over 150,000 per year.
What kind of training is required to become a helicopter pilot?
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To become a helicopter pilot, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot’s license, which requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time and passing a series of exams.
What are the most in-demand helicopter jobs?
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The most in-demand helicopter jobs include offshore oil rig pilots, medical helicopter pilots, and search and rescue pilots.
