How much does a helicopter pilot make?

How Much Does a Helicopter Pilot Make?

As a helicopter pilot, you can expect a rewarding and exciting career with a range of salary options depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. In this article, we’ll explore the average salary ranges for helicopter pilots and provide valuable insights into the profession.

Direct Answer:

The average salary for a helicopter pilot can vary significantly depending on the specific job, location, and level of experience. Here are some approximate average salary ranges:

• Entry-level helicopter pilots: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Commercial helicopter pilots: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
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• Aerial tour pilots: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
• Emergency medical services (EMS) pilots: $80,000 – $150,000 per year
• Corporate flight pilots: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
• Helicopter instructor pilots: $50,000 – $90,000 per year

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors can impact the salary of a helicopter pilot, including:

• Experience: More experienced pilots typically earn higher salaries.
• Location: Pilots working in major cities or high-demand areas tend to earn more than those working in smaller towns or rural areas.
• Industry: Pilots working in industries such as corporate aviation, EMS, or offshore oil and gas tend to earn higher salaries than those working in tourism or agriculture.
• Type of helicopter: Pilots flying larger, more complex helicopters, such as heavy-lift or cargo helicopters, may earn higher salaries than those flying smaller, more basic helicopters.
• Certifications and ratings: Pilots holding advanced certifications, such as instrument flight rules (IFR) or instructor ratings, may earn higher salaries.

Salary Ranges by Industry

Here are some approximate average salary ranges for helicopter pilots by industry:

• Aerial Tour Operations:

  • Helicopter tour pilots: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
  • Tour managers: $80,000 – $150,000 per year

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS):

  • Helicopter EMS pilots: $80,000 – $150,000 per year
  • Helicopter EMS coordinators: $60,000 – $100,000 per year

• Corporate Flight:

  • Helicopter corporate pilots: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
  • Helicopter corporate flight managers: $120,000 – $250,000 per year

• Offshore Oil and Gas:

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  • Helicopter offshore pilots: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
  • Helicopter offshore management: $120,000 – $250,000 per year

• Agriculture:

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  • Helicopter agriculture pilots: $50,000 – $90,000 per year
  • Helicopter agriculture management: $60,000 – $100,000 per year

Certifications and Ratings

Certifications:

• Private Pilot Certificate: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
• Commercial Pilot Certificate: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
• Instrument Rating (IR): $60,000 – $90,000 per year
• Multi-Engine Rating: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
• Crew Resource Management (CRM): $60,000 – $90,000 per year

Ratings:

• Helicopter Instrument Rating (HIR): $70,000 – $100,000 per year
• Helicopter Instructor Rating (HI): $80,000 – $120,000 per year
• Helicopter Test Pilot Rating: $90,000 – $140,000 per year

Conclusion

As you can see, the salary range for helicopter pilots varies widely depending on factors such as experience, location, industry, and certifications/ratings. While entry-level pilots may start at lower salaries, experienced pilots in high-demand industries can earn significant salaries. With the right training, certifications, and experience, a career as a helicopter pilot can be both rewarding and lucrative.