ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Certified Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

6K Systems, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Provide instruction in accordance with ... Contract personnel shall maintain certification IAW HCI 36-2601. - AFROTC instructors shall be CPR ...

CCGI, Inc.

ROTC Instructor

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

... flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Provide instruction in accordance with ... Contract personnel shall maintain certification IAW HCI 36-2601. - AFROTC instructors shall be CPR ...

O Gara Training & Services LLC

Instructor

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Instructors will be positioned in San Diego, CA for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) ONE located aboard Naval Base Annex Point Loma, Point Loma, CA. Travel: There is ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Mira Loma, CA

$57K - $75K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Corona, CA

$58K - $77K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Menifee, CA

$60K - $79K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Tustin, CA

$60K - $80K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Chino Hills, CA

$57K - $76K/yr

See More See Less PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCertified Flight Instructor JobsCertified Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Certified Flight Instructor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.1K

$98.7K

$151.8K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified flight instructor in Riverside, CA is $98,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $116,800.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Certified Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Certified Flight Instructor job openings:
Certified Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,714 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Aviation Science - Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

California Baptist University rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Aviation Science - Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management
Position Summary
The Department of Aviation Science at California Baptist University invites applicants from those who wish to join a pool of adjunct instructors capable of teaching courses in Aviation Flight and/or Aviation Management.
Pay Range
Qualifications
Those desiring to teach courses in Aviation Flight must possess FAA Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certificates, or Certified Flight Instructor. Qualified applicants for either major must have a master's degree in Aviation/Aeronautics or related field and some degree of aviation industry experience. Successful candidates should have a desire to work in an entrepreneurial setting within a growing aviation program. It is expected that all faculty members are professing Christians who are actively involved in a church.
Teaching Responsibilities
Teaching responsibilities in the undergraduate program of Aviation. Specific course assignments will be dependent upon qualifications and availability.
Nondiscrimination Statement
State and Federal law permit California Baptist University to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purpose. The University does not discriminate contrary to either State or Federal law.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.calbaptist.edu/postings/10316

What California Baptist University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply