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Aviation Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Saic

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ... The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ... The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ... The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ... The CTS Instructor candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of FAA CPC experience ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAviation Instructor JobsAviation Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aviation Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$33

$59

How much do aviation instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation instructor in Chicago, IL is $33.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aviation instructor do?

An aviation instructor is responsible for teaching students how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, covering topics such as aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and federal aviation regulations. Aviation instructors assess students’ progress, ensure they understand theoretical concepts, and supervise actual flight training. They play a crucial role in preparing students for pilot certification exams and ensuring high standards of safety and professionalism in aviation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aviation instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Instructor, you need deep aeronautical knowledge, flight training experience, and relevant certifications such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation safety systems, and training management software is crucial. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to motivate students are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, safe flight operations, and successful student outcomes in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by aviation instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Aviation Instructors often face challenges such as adapting teaching methods to different learning styles, ensuring student safety during practical training, and staying current with evolving aviation regulations and technology. To manage these challenges effectively, instructors frequently participate in ongoing professional development, utilize a variety of instructional techniques, and maintain clear communication with both students and regulatory bodies. Building strong rapport with students and fostering a safety-first culture also help create a supportive and effective learning environment.

What is the difference between Aviation Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectAviation InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), sometimes additional ratingsCFI, often with instrument or multi-engine ratings
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, aviation academies, corporate trainingFlight training schools, flight academies, private instruction
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in flight training and aviation educationPrimarily in flight training, often for student pilots

Both Aviation Instructors and Flight Instructors hold similar certifications and work in flight training environments. However, an Aviation Instructor may also teach ground school or broader aviation topics, while a Flight Instructor focuses specifically on hands-on pilot training. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Aviation Instructor' can encompass a wider range of teaching roles within the aviation industry.

Are aviation instructors in high demand?

Aviation instructors are in steady demand due to ongoing pilot training needs and a growing aviation industry. They typically require certifications such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and have opportunities in flight schools, airlines, and military training programs. The demand can vary based on regional pilot shortages and industry growth trends.

How do you become an aviation instructor?

To become an aviation instructor, you must first obtain a private pilot license and then a commercial pilot license, gaining sufficient flying experience. Next, you need to earn an Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the relevant aviation authority, which involves passing written and practical exams, and then accumulate teaching hours to qualify for advanced instructor roles.

How much money do aviation instructors get paid?

Aviation instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school. Many instructors also receive additional pay for flight hours and certifications, with some working part-time or on a freelance basis.
Aviation Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aviation Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,770 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Flight Instructor Hiring Event - Columbus Learning Center (October 2026)

FlightSafety International

Aurora, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 225 rated education and training

Job description

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Education
  • No requirement.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

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