HPS Rates of Pay – Helicopter Pilot and Supervisor (Government of Canada)
HPS rates of pay for all HPS (Helicopter Pilot and Supervisor) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $123,994 to $161,771 across 3 levels. Category: Technical & IT. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.
HPS – Helicopter Pilot and Supervisor
$123,994 – $161,771
$4,769 – $6,222 biweekly (before deductions)
3 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements
Rates effective from 2026-01-26 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology
All HPS Levels
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About the HPS Classification
The HPS (Helicopter Pilot and Supervisor) group covers civilian helicopter pilots employed by the federal government, primarily at the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and other departments with helicopter operations. HPS pilots conduct search and rescue operations, law enforcement support, environmental monitoring, ice reconnaissance, and medical evacuations in some of Canada's most challenging flying environments.
HPS positions require commercial helicopter pilot licences, instrument ratings, and significant flying experience — typically thousands of hours. Coast Guard HPS pilots fly from ships and shore bases in maritime environments, while RCMP HPS pilots support policing operations including surveillance, emergency response, and transport to remote communities. The work involves flying in adverse weather conditions, at night, and over open water — demanding the highest levels of piloting skill.
Federal helicopter pilot compensation reflects the specialized qualifications required but remains below what commercial helicopter operators pay for equivalent experience, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The appeal of federal HPS positions lies in the mission — Coast Guard search and rescue and RCMP operational flying offer uniquely meaningful work that commercial aviation cannot match. The pension and benefits package also provides long-term financial security that the often-cyclical commercial helicopter industry does not guarantee.
Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare HPS with other classifications.