For Educators: Military Resources
Military Helicopter Pilots
Median Salary
119,379
Workforce Count
15,299
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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.
What is the work environment like?
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.
How many people have this role in the Military?
15,299
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$153,426
2 Years
$115,892
6 Years
$153,426
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
- Flight Instructor
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test