Helicopter operators
Tour, EMS, offshore, utility and Part 135 helicopter employers.
| Name | Type | Published minimums | Published pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Methods | Helicopter EMS (air medical) | Rotor-wing VFR: 2,000 TT (1,500 in category), 1,000 PIC in category, 500 RW turbine, 200 XC (50 night), 100 unaided night PIC, 50 instrument. IFR: 2,500 TT (2,000 in category), 1,000 PIC, 500 XC, 75 instrument. Commercial + instrument (or ATP), 2nd-class medical | $82,900–$93,251 base (steps A–D) on 63 of 100 postings, before geo modifier and stipends; $15,000 sign-on on most postings |
| Global Medical Response (GMR) | Air medical and ground EMS (parent of Air Evac Lifeteam, Med-Trans and REACH) | Commercial rotorcraft; helicopter instrument rating; Class II medical; 2,000 TT; 1,500 helicopter; 1,000 helicopter PIC; 500 turbine helicopter; 100 night unaided (or 50 unaided + 100 aided) | 145 of 150 postings publish base: $88,759–$97,635 up to $157,322–$173,069; median $106,511–$117,162. Many include a geo modifier |
| Med-Trans | Helicopter EMS (air medical), part of GMR | Commercial rotorcraft; helicopter instrument rating; Class II medical; 2,000 TT; 1,500 helicopter; 1,000 helicopter PIC; 500 turbine helicopter; 100 night unaided (or 50 unaided + 100 aided) | Posted base ranges $88,759–$137,789 (median about $110,505–$121,555) |
| Air Evac Lifeteam | Helicopter EMS (air medical) | Commercial rotorcraft; helicopter instrument rating; Class II medical; 2,000 TT; 1,500 helicopter; 1,000 helicopter PIC; 500 turbine helicopter; 100 night unaided (or 50 unaided + 100 aided) | Posted base ranges $88,759–$147,996 (median about $106,511–$117,162), many including a geo modifier; $15K sign-on and $40,000 retention after 3 years on most |
| REACH Air Medical Services | Helicopter and airplane EMS | Commercial rotorcraft; helicopter instrument rating; Class II medical; 2,000 TT; 1,500 helicopter; 1,000 helicopter PIC; 500 turbine helicopter; 100 night unaided (or 50 unaided + 100 aided); SPIFR roles add 75 helicopter instrument hours (50 in aircraft) and a 230 lb weight limit with gear | Posted base ranges $97,635–$173,069 (median about $115,387–$131,807); highest is SPIFR in Ukiah, CA |
| CareFlite | Helicopter EMS (air medical), DFW | Not published | Not published |
| Bristow Group | Offshore, SAR and government helicopter operator | Not published | Not published |
| Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters | Helicopter tour operator | Not published | Not published |
| Maverick Helicopters | Helicopter tour and charter operator | Not published | Not published |
| Blue Hawaiian Helicopters | Helicopter tour operator | 2,500 PIC hours; commercial helicopter with instrument rating; 1,000 turbine PIC preferred (Lihue, Kauai posting) | $90,000–$120,000 a year (Lihue, Kauai posting) |
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Related guides
- HEMS Pilot Jobs (2026): Air Medical Helicopter Pilot Pay, Hour Minimums and Who’s Hiring
- Helicopter Pilot Salary in 2026: What EMS, Tour, Utility and Public-Service Pilots Earn
- How to Become a Helicopter Pilot: FAA Requirements and Career Path (2026)
- Helicopter to Airline Pilot (2026): Rotor Transition Programs, R-ATP Rules and Hour Minimums