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Military Helicopter Pilots

Military Career

General Information

Description

Helicopter pilots are skilled officers who control and fly the many helicopters operated by the Services. They also perform combat maneuvers, spot and observe enemy positions, transport troops and equipment, and evacuate wounded troops.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Helicopter pilots are stationed at military bases or aboard aircraft carriers around the world. They fly in all types of weather conditions. Helicopter pilots take off and land from airports, forward landing areas, and ship landing decks.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Helicopter Pilots in the Military

16,649

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$109,495

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$29,376 - $242,609

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 28%
  • Post-secondary certificate 25%
  • High school 23%
  • Associate's degree 17%
  • Some college 2%
  • Master's degree 2%
  • First professional degree 1%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Like other officers, helicopter pilots complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training for helicopter pilots consists of academic and on-the-job instruction. Flight training consists of time spent in flight simulators, classroom training, computer based training, and actual time spent flying. Training content may include: Principles of helicopter operationHelicopter inspection techniquesFlying techniques and emergency proceduresCombat skills and tacticsFlight map drawing and reading

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Like other officers, helicopter pilots complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training for helicopter pilots consists of academic and on-the-job instruction. Flight training consists of time spent in flight simulators, classroom training, computer based training, and actual time spent flying. Training content may include:

  • Principles of helicopter operation
  • Helicopter inspection techniques
  • Flying techniques and emergency procedures
  • Combat skills and tactics
  • Flight map drawing and reading

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Transportation
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Geography
  • Education and Training
  • English Language

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.