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Assistant Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Flight Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$24

$49

How much do assistant flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant flight instructor in Chicago, IL is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $29.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAssistant Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsRequires a commercial pilot certificate and instructor ratingsRequires a commercial pilot certificate and instructor ratings
Work EnvironmentAssists in flight training under supervisionLeads flight training sessions independently
ResponsibilitiesSupports flight instruction, observes, and assistsProvides full flight instruction, evaluates students

In summary, an Assistant Flight Instructor supports and assists Flight Instructors in training pilots, often under supervision, while Flight Instructors independently lead training sessions and evaluate students. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in responsibilities and independence.

What are Assistant Flight Instructors?

Assistant Flight Instructors are licensed pilots who help main flight instructors teach student pilots the fundamentals of flying. Their responsibilities often include conducting ground instruction, supervising flight training sessions, assisting with pre-flight and post-flight briefings, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. While they may not have full instructor privileges, they play a vital role in supporting the learning process and helping students build confidence and skills. Assistant Flight Instructors work under the supervision of fully certified flight instructors and are an essential part of many flight schools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Flight Instructor, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, flight operations, and safety procedures, typically supported by a commercial pilot license and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight training devices, flight planning software, and aviation regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching techniques to different learning styles are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective student instruction, regulatory compliance, and the safe operation of training flights.

What are some common challenges Assistant Flight Instructors face when working with student pilots?

Assistant Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying learning styles and confidence levels, which can make adapting lesson plans a key challenge. Balancing safety with effective teaching during real-time flight scenarios requires strong communication and quick decision-making. Additionally, instructors must manage administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate training records and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Collaborating closely with senior instructors and other staff is also essential for providing consistent, high-quality instruction and supporting students’ progress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Flight Instructor job openings:
Assistant Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Flight Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,990 per year, or $25 per hour.

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

IKONIC ART PARTY LLC

Palatine, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Free uniforms
  • Help or transport service
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor - Ikonic Glass
WHO WE ARE
Ikonic Glass is a traveling glassblowing company that brings live, hands-on lampworking workshops to festivals, markets, and events across the country. We teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing to the public real workshops, real fire, real people experiencing glass for the first time.
We are a small but growing team of artists, teachers, performers, and operators building meaningful public experiences through live events. We are not a pipe company. We are not a bro crew. We care deeply about safety, professionalism, showmanship, and the 20-minute experience we create for every student who steps up to the torch or stops to watch.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor with Ikonic Glass, you will lead live torch-based workshops for small groups at fairs and events across the country. You will guide students through their first experience with glass in a fast-paced, highly public environment that combines teaching, performance, hospitality, and operational teamwork.
This role is repetitive by design. You will teach the same beginner-level class up to 24 times per day while maintaining strong energy, professionalism, and guest focus from the first class to the last.
You should expect:
  • Long days on your feet in outdoor environments
  • Frequent interaction with the public
  • Repetitive teaching using a structured curriculum
  • Travel ranging from single weekends to multi-week runs
  • Physical setup and teardown work, including lifting 40+ lbs
  • A team-oriented environment where reliability and consistency matter
If that sounds like your kind of work, keep reading.
WHAT YOULL DO
  • Teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing using our structured curriculum
  • Lead safety orientations before each class
  • Create a safe, encouraging, and memorable experience for every student
  • Perform public demonstrations and engage with crowds throughout the event
  • Set up and break down the mobile workshop booth and equipment
  • Assemble, inspect, and safely operate propane/oxygen systems and torch equipment
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace
  • Coordinate class flow and readiness with front-end staff
  • Package and organize completed student pieces for pickup
  • Assist with check-in, checkout, POS responsibilities, and guest support throughout the event
  • Track tools, equipment, and consumables using our inventory system
  • Travel to events across the U.S. as scheduled
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE GREAT HERE
Desired Experience
  • Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience
  • Comfortable working with torch systems, propane/oxygen equipment, and PPE
  • Prior teaching, instructional, hospitality, or public-facing experience preferred
  • Event, festival, restaurant, or high-volume service experience is a strong plus
The Traits That Matter Most
  • Reliable you show up on time and follow through
  • Coachable you can follow systems and take direction well
  • Guest-focused you bring patience, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction
  • Emotionally steady you stay composed under pressure and high volume
  • Team-oriented you contribute to the group, not just your own performance
  • Engaging and high-energy you communicate clearly and connect with people quickly
  • Adaptable you handle changing conditions and unexpected problems calmly
  • Safety-serious you do not cut corners with fire, tanks, or safety procedures
Restaurant and line-cook experience translates well to this role. If you have thrived in loud, fast-paced, repetitive, team-based environments, you may already have many of the skills this job requires.
THIS ROLE IS PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU IF
  • You are looking for a quiet studio environment or significant creative autonomy
  • You dislike repetitive teaching or structured curriculum
  • You are uncomfortable speaking and performing in front of crowds
  • You are not open to extended travel or time away from home
  • You prefer highly flexible schedules or working independently
  • You struggle in physically demanding, fast-paced environments
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
  • $25/hour for instruction during events
  • Reduced rate for training, onboarding, setup, and teardown
  • Lodging provided during travel (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, depending on the event)
  • Flight stipend offered when needed
  • All required tools, safety equipment, and teaching materials provided
  • OSHA and safety training included during onboarding
  • Advancement opportunities as the company grows
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
  • Seasonal W2 position with potential for continued or expanded work based on performance
  • Onboarding begins: (Date)
  • Background check required
  • OSHA training required during onboarding
  • Must be able to regularly lift and carry 40+ lbs
  • Role involves sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions
Tell us about your torch experience, teaching or public-facing background, availability, and what draws you to this opportunity.
We read every application carefully and respond to every candidate we move forward with.
We are not just hiring workers. We are building a team.