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Certified Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aviation

Certified Flight Instructor

Fishers, IN · On-site

We are actively searching for a Certified Flight Instructor who is not only a skilled pilot but also a dedicated educator. Here's your chance to pass on your knowledge and enthusiasm while building ...

Marshall University

Flight Instructor

Huntington, WV

$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 ...

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Certified Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified 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.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Many flight schools and flight training organizations seek qualified instructors to help students achieve certifications, especially as new pilots enter the workforce and existing pilots seek additional ratings.

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

AspectCertified Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CredentialsRequires FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificateMay refer to any instructor without specific certification
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, flight simulatorsFlight training environments, flight schools
Industry UsageOfficial certification for instructing studentsGeneral term for anyone teaching flying

Certified Flight Instructor is a specific credential required to legally instruct student pilots, whereas Flight Instructor is a broader term that may include uncertified or non-credentialed instructors. The Certified Flight Instructor designation ensures standardized training and certification recognized by the FAA, making it essential for professional flight training roles.

What are some common challenges faced by Certified Flight Instructors during flight training sessions?

Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to different learning speeds and personalities, ensuring student safety while allowing hands-on experience, and managing varied weather conditions that can affect lesson plans. Additionally, CFIs must remain vigilant and patient, providing clear feedback while maintaining regulatory compliance and documentation. Balancing administrative responsibilities, flight scheduling, and continuous professional development are also part of the daily routine for many instructors.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5-hour rule for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) refers to the requirement that CFIs must log at least 5 hours of flight training with a student before they can endorse the student for their checkride. This ensures the instructor has sufficient supervised flight experience with the student before certification testing. The hours include ground and flight training, and the rule helps maintain safety and training standards.

How much do flying instructors get paid?

Certified flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and flight hours. Many instructors supplement their income through flight hours, student fees, or working at flight schools with varying pay structures.

What is a Certified Flight Instructor?

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a pilot who has earned additional certification to teach others how to fly aircraft. CFIs provide instruction to student pilots, help them prepare for written and practical exams, and ensure they meet the required standards for obtaining pilot licenses. They may also provide advanced training to licensed pilots who want to improve their skills or add new ratings. Becoming a CFI requires holding at least a commercial pilot certificate, passing written knowledge tests, and demonstrating instructional proficiency through practical exams.

How much can you make as a certified flight instructor?

Certified flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and flight hours. Many instructors supplement their income through flight hours for students or additional aviation-related work.

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

To thrive as a Certified Flight Instructor, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, advanced piloting skills, and a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather systems, and electronic logbook tools is essential. Exceptional communication, patience, and instructional ability help instructors effectively teach and motivate student pilots. These skills ensure safe, effective flight training and support student progress toward pilot certification.
More about Certified Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Certified Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Certified Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Certified Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Certified Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Flight Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Certified Flight Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Flight Instructor jobs are:
Certified Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 60% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 23% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Certified Flight Instructor

Certified Flight Instructor

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL • On-site

$30/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Lewis University rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

PAF/Position Details
Position Details
Position Title
Certified Flight Instructor
Position Status
Limited Part-Time
Budget Summary
Base Pay
$30.00 per hour
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Flight Instructor CFI is responsible to the Chief of Pilot Training for teaching flight laboratories and Ground School as assigned, according to FAA approved syllabi. In addition, the CFI is responsible for providing such services as assigned by the Chief of Pilot Training that are deemed necessary for the smooth and successful operation of the flight education Program.
Responsibilities
Responsible to model the University Mission through dedicated job performance, service excellence to constituencies, respectful collaboration and active support of the University's Mission in Catholic and Lasallian higher education.
-Teach individual flight lessons exactly as indicated in the appropriate FAA approved flight course - Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI-A, CFI-I, Multi-engine, and CFI-ME.
-Teach aviation ground school, etc.
-Write and revise syllabi as required.
-Act as an Instructor on Duty when requested.
-Attend CFI/Ground Instructor meetings.
-Perform other duties as required by Chief of Pilot Training or designated representative.'
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. Degree. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Must possess manual and finger dexterity. Must be able to critically analyze flight student weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement. Must be self motivated and able to delegate involving evening and weekend hours. CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS: Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Land, Instrument Airplane/Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane
Preferred Qualifications
CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS:
Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument/Certified Flight Instructor - Multi-engine
Essential Duties
Work hours
Part-time
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S00629
Posting Date
05/19/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary

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