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Certificated Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Instructor

Huntington, WV · On-site

$38K - $50K/yr

The Certified Flight Instructor helps maintain quality instruction across the flight school by providing student training, consistent record keeping, and other duties as assigned by the Chief Flight ...

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Summary Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses ...

Summary Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses ...

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Watkins, CO · On-site

$20.43 - $26.43/hr

Summary Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses ...

Summary Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses ...

Summary Flight Instructors are certified flight instructors and as such, will maintain high standards of training, air discipline and personal conduct as they train student pilots in various courses ...

Certified Flight Instructor Are you passionate about flying and eager to inspire the next generation of aviators? Here at Tom Wood Aviation, we are home to one of the busiest certified flight schools ...

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Certificated Flight Instructor information

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do certificated flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for certificated flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certificated Flight Instructor?

A Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) is a pilot who has been trained and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide flight instruction to student pilots and other aviators. CFIs are responsible for teaching students how to fly, preparing them for various pilot certifications, and ensuring they understand aviation regulations and procedures. In addition to flying skills, CFIs also provide ground instruction on topics such as aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and safety. Becoming a CFI requires holding at least a commercial pilot certificate and passing additional FAA knowledge and practical tests.

What are some common challenges Certificated Flight Instructors face when training new pilots, and how can they effectively address them?

Certificated Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, managing safety in flight, and adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles. Building strong communication and regularly debriefing after lessons can help address misunderstandings and reinforce key concepts. Instructors also benefit from staying current with both regulatory changes and advances in aviation technology, which enables them to provide the most relevant instruction and maintain a safe learning environment.

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

To thrive as a Certificated Flight Instructor, you need a strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight regulations, and instructional techniques, typically backed by a commercial pilot license and a flight instructor certificate (CFI). Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather tools, and logbook management systems is important. Exceptional communication, patience, and situational awareness set outstanding instructors apart. These abilities ensure students learn safely and effectively, maintaining high training standards and aviation safety.

What is the difference between Certificated Flight Instructor vs Certified Flight Instructor?

CriteriaCertificated Flight InstructorCertified Flight Instructor
CredentialsFAA Flight Instructor CertificateFAA Flight Instructor Certificate
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, flight training centersFlight schools, flight training centers
Industry UsageCommon term in the industryOfficial certification title
Search IntentComparison with other instructor rolesOfficial certification details

Both terms refer to individuals holding an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate, enabling them to teach flying. 'Certificated Flight Instructor' is a general term, while 'Certified Flight Instructor' is the official certification title. They are often used interchangeably, but understanding the precise terminology helps clarify qualifications and roles within flight training environments.

More about Certificated Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Certificated Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Certificated Flight Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Certificated Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Certificated Flight Instructor jobs include:
TES Certificated Flight Instructor

TES Certificated Flight Instructor

Auburn University

Auburn, AL • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview
Auburn University is initiating a search for TES Certified Flight Instructors to provide flight training for Auburn University students enrolled in Professional Flight.
IMPORTANT - When submitting your application for consideration you will need to upload a copy of your certification(s) in the Additional Documents area of the application. Temporary FAA certificates are acceptable.
Temporary Employment Services (TES), a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, is an in-house support center established to meet the temporary employment needs of the university. TES provides qualified and dedicated temporary employees in a wide variety of occupations to meet the staffing needs throughout the campus. Temporary employees are hired for a variety of reasons with the most common being:
  • Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
  • Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
  • Assistance with special projects
  • Seasonal work
  • Emergencies

If you are looking for an employment opportunity, TES is a great way to showcase your professional skills and assist Auburn University while gaining valuable work experience within higher education.
AU student employees are not eligible for TES.
Responsibilities
  • Provide flight, aviation training device (simulator), and oral instruction in accordance with all AU Professional Flight and FAA procedures and practices. Prepare schedules, maintain records, and ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by each student in each flight course.
  • Promotes and instills the safety culture of AU Flight Education by adhering to all prescribed policies and procedures, bringing any safety-related issues to the attention of the Chief and Assistant Chief Flight Instructors, and working to instill a culture of safety in all their students.
  • Ensures each assigned student is scheduled in accordance with the student's flight training schedule on the days and time blocks established. Schedules assigned students to make up any missed lessons, or to accommodate additional availability the student may have.
  • Perform the duties of a certificated flight instructor as authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the FAA-approved Training Course Outlines:
    • Regularly schedule each assigned student to ensure satisfactory progress through the course and immediately inform assigned Assistant Chief Flight Instructor of any delays in training or satisfactory progress.
    • Accurately maintain all appropriate records, which includes student training records, student logbook, and computer records.
    • Ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by all assigned students as prescribed in the applicable Training Course Outline.
    • Adequately prepare assigned students for Stage Checks, End-of-Course Tests, and FAA Practical Tests.
    • Be responsible for the timely course completion of all students assigned including completion of required documentation.
    • Monitor the maintenance condition and airworthiness status of the training aircraft and inform fleet maintenance personnel and/or supervisor of any discrepancies.
    • File safety reports as necessary to report any observed safety concerns or situations that may adversely affect aviation safety.
    • Attend administrative, standardization, currency training, and instructor meetings as assigned.
    • Complete all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Level I: CFII requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $33 per hour
Level II: MEI requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane/Multi-Engine Airplane certification - $35 per hour
Level III: Flight Standards requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $36-38 per hour
All Levels require a current Third Class FAA Medical Certification
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must demonstrate piloting proficiency and instructing ability during initial standardization training. Ability to work well under pressure in a busy environment, congested airspace, and be able to exercise proper aeronautical decision making.
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

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