The demand for helicopter pilots is extremely high. A recent study by Boeing estimated that there will be a shortage of 59,000 helicopter pilots worldwide through 2037. This means that for at least the next 17 years (and probably much longer than that), good helicopter pilots are almost guaranteed a job.
Becoming a helicopter pilot is worth it if you love flying and seeing the earth from thousands of feet up in the air. Working as a helicopter pilot also gives you access to a lot of job opportunities. As a commercial helicopter pilot, you can fly for sightseeing tours or aerial photography.
Average Salary for an EMS Helicopter PilotEMS Helicopter Pilots in America make an average salary of $94,802 per year or $46 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $131,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $68,000 per year.
Mature experienced airplane pilots can make well over $100,000 per year, but it takes longer to get to the big money than it does for helicopter pilots. Experienced helicopter pilots can make $65,000 to $85,000, and some make up to 100K and above.
According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states that the “the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $86,080 in May 2019, while the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers was $147,200”.
Starting salaries for oil rig helicopter pilots range from about $35,000 to $50,000 per year. Pilots generally earn in that range during their first two years on the job. Salaries then increase to $50,000 to $70,000 per year. High-end employers may pay as much as $100,000.
Yes, helicopters are difficult to fly. Once you begin making small control inputs and learn how the helicopter responds, flying the aircraft will become much easier. One of the most difficult helicopter maneuvers is hovering and it's often one of the first things a flight student is taught to do.
Since helicopters are generally harder to fly than airplanes, they also are more dangerous to fly. Overall, helicopter crashes are more frequent than airplanes, as well. Helicopters crash about 35 percent more often per hour in the air than your average aircraft.
The average price of a helicopter is $1,794,793. However, the least expensive pre-owned helicopters may cost as little as $100,000. The most expensive helicopters on the market cost up to $27,000,000. The average asking price for a pre-owned Bell 407 helicopter is $1,907,000.
You'll need to:
- hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- be over 18 years of age.
- pass the Civil Aviation Authority medical before you can take a course - the medical includes tests on your fitness, hearing and vision.
The average cost of flying lessons is between $155 and $170 per hour. This price includes the average airplane rental cost and the typical cost of a flight instructor of $45 per hour. Completing flight school and earning your pilots license costs $5,100 to $16,100. Get free estimates from flying instructors near you.
Airline pilots earn an average annual wage of $174,870, according to the BLS, more than triple the average annual wage for all occupations, $53,490. In the 10 states where airline pilot salaries are the highest, the average annual wage can be more than $200,000, although these states are very exceptional.
Unless you plan to fly a helicopter for personal enjoyment, you may consider obtaining a degree. Most helicopter pilot employers require an associate or bachelor's degree in math, physics or aeronautical engineering. Some universities that offer aviation programs also provide the process to obtain licenses.
The cost of flight training varies widely. A private pilot certificate can cost between $4000 and $15,000, depending on the location, type of airplane used, type of flight school, instructor experience, and the pace at which a student is able to learn.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $99,000 and as low as $22,000, the majority of Fire Helicopter Pilot salaries currently range between $49,500 (25th percentile) to $79,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $91,000 annually across the United States.
As helicopter pilots continue in their careers and accumulate more experience they can start to earn some really great salaries. Helicopter Pilots with over 10 years of experience can earn as much as $120,000 per year depending on the industry they serve and their position.
Types of Helicopter Pilot Jobs
- Emergency Medical Services.
- Fire Fighting.
- Forestry.
- Law Enforcement.
- Military (all branches)
- Offshore companies.
- Tourism (for sightseeing operations)
- Utilities (pipeline and power line)
The short answer is yes, it should be pretty easy for you to get a job as a helicopter pilot once you've earned your certifications and built your flight hours.
Acquiring a commercial pilot license is not difficult at all. Anyone can study the basics and pass all their exams to become a commercial pilot. Acquiring a commercial pilot is only 50% of the actual work. The other 50% is to get flying hours and gain knowledge to qualify as a competent pilot.
Flying aircraft is a coveted career in the United States armed services, and the process to become a military pilot is a competitive one. Becoming a helicopter pilot in the Army does not require higher education or prior enlistment.
