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Aviation Instructor Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Aviation Instructor information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$15

$34

$62

How much do aviation instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation instructor in Tacoma, WA is $34.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $37.16 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.
Infographic showing various Aviation Instructor job openings in Tacoma, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,645 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Aviation Instructor - Adjunct

Green River College

Auburn, WA • On-site

$101.95 - $113.93/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach a variety of aviation classes including fixed-wing pilot ground schools, aviation weather, airline operations, aviation law, aircraft dispatcher, airport management, international flight planning, and ETOPS.

  • Utilize a variety of methods and modes of instruction to ensure student success and adapt instructional methods to a wide range of student backgrounds and interests.

  • Meet minimum qualifications related to aviation industry experience and knowledge of federal regulations relevant to aviation operations.


Green River College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $101.95 - $113.93 Hourly
Location : Downtown Auburn Center - 1221 D St NE, Auburn, WA
Job Type: Adjunct Faculty
Job Number: 24-ADJ-Aviation
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
Green River College's student body is made up of approximately 41% Academic Transfer students, 34% Professional-Technical, 15% Adult Basic Education, 3% Applied Bachelor degrees. Green River College has four campuses, including the main campus in Auburn, with satellite campuses in Kent, downtown Auburn, and Enumclaw. Green River programs serve high school graduates, Running Start students (dual enrollment in local high schools and the college), those seeking retraining for the workforce, international students, students learning English, and Continuing Education students. Green River's service areas are increasingly ethnically diverse, comprising African Americans, African immigrants, Asian Americans, Asians, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Middle Eastern Americans, among other communities.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
Green River College is committed to enhancing and supporting a diverse campus environment, incorporating principles of equity in order to promote inclusive practices. Diversity is understood in terms of intersectional identities defined by culture, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, social class, disability, religion, veteran status, immigration status, and age. Given the diversity of our student population and service areas, we encourage applications from faculty, staff, and administrators with demonstrated experience and expertise in supporting, sustaining and serving people from a wide range of backgrounds and collaborating effectively with others.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Technology Division is accepting applications to be considered for adjunct instruction.
Adjunct instructors are appointed quarter to quarter based on student enrollment. For specifics, applicants should contact the division for more information.
Green River College welcomes individuals who have a commitment to teach and the ability to utilize a variety of methods and modes of instruction to ensure student success. Given the diversity of our student population, we encourage applications from individuals who can adapt instructional methods to a wide range of student backgrounds and interests.
The successful candidate may teach a variety of aviation classes including fixed-wing pilot ground schools, aviation weather, airline operations, aviation law, aircraft dispatcher, airport management, international flight planning and ETOPS.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Three-years professional (paid) experience in the aviation industry in one or more of the following areas; commercial pilot, flight instructor, airline dispatcher, airline or general aviation maintenance, and /or air traffic control
  • Knowledge of Code Federal Regulations:
    o Part 61- Pilot and Flight Instructor Certification procedures
    o Part 65 - Aircraft Dispatcher Certification requirements
    o Part 91 - General Operating Rules
    o Part 121 - Large Airline Operations
  • Demonstrated experience working with staff and students from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • One year of successful experience in aviation instruction
  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation
  • Teaching experience in the field of aviation
  • Possess either a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate (CFII) or a Basic or Advanced Instrument Ground Instructor Certificate (BGI, AGI, IGI)
  • Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or 1500 hours flight experience

Supplemental Information
Attach the following with your completed online application and responses to the Supplemental Questions (located under the tab titled "Supplemental Questions") to be considered for this position.
  • A Cover Letter which specifically describes how you meet each qualification
  • Resume
  • Supplemental question(s)

(*) Should you have any difficulties uploading the below documents, please contact NeoGov tech support at 1-855-524-5627 Mon-Fri 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. pacific time.At this time, Green River College is not sponsoring for H1-B Visas.
This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
All offers of employment are subject to background checks. (Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.)
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law RCW 28B.112.080.
Green River College is a tobacco free campus. For more information on the tobacco policy, please visit the following link:
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report- Green River College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at , containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 253-288-3350.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092-3622, (253) 288-3320.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Support Services at (253) 833-9111, ext. 2631; TTY (253) 288-3359.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Statement of Non-Discrimination: Green River College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual sensory, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Green River College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sex-based harassment, and sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Green River College's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Reporting: Any employee, student, applicant, or visitor who believes that he, she or they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the College's appropriate Title IX Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to the President's office for referral to an alternate designee.
For students/employees/public/visitors/applicants: Korland Simmons, Title IX Coordinator • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
More than Just a Paycheck!Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.
Health Benefits:Adjunct faculty may become eligible for benefits if they work two (2) consecutive quarters at 50% or more of full time academic load in order to qualify for benefits (based on instructional hours only).
Newly-hired adjunct faculty are eligible for PEBB insurance benefits when they have taught 50 percent or more of a full-time workload* for two consecutive quarters at one or more public higher education institutions, going on benefits the start of the second quarter at 50% or more. Medical, dental, life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the
Adjunct faculty who initially meet the State Board Retirement Plan Eligibility criteria after June 30, 2011 are given the option to participate in the State Board Plan (TIAA-CREF) or to participate in TRS 3, and have 30 days to make a choice. The eligibility threshold for participation in the State Board Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF) is 50 percent of a full-time workload* at one or more college districts or the State Board for two consecutive quarters. There may be other options available under limited circumstances.
Leave accruals and usage are governed by the faculty master contract.
*Half time is defined as one-half of the full-time academic workload as determined by each institution, except that half time for community and technical colleges faculty employees is governed by RCW 28B.50.489.

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