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Certified Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Chino, CA · On-site

$58K - $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 ...

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

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $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 ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Santa Ana, CA

$59K - $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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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

Foothill Ranch, 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

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$58K - $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 ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Corona, CA · On-site

$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

Upland, CA · On-site

$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

Ontario, CA · On-site

$58K - $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 ...

PetSmart

Pet Training Instructor II

Riverside, CA · On-site

$59K - $78K/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

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$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

Redlands, CA · On-site

$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

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$59K - $78K/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 ...

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Showing results 21-36

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 Sep 13, 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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified flight instructor?

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 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 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.

Are certified flight instructors in demand?

Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) are generally in steady demand as they play a key role in training new pilots and maintaining safety standards. The demand can fluctuate based on the aviation industry’s growth, pilot certification requirements, and regional needs, but CFIs are essential for flight training programs and often find opportunities in flight schools and aviation academies.

How do you become a certified flight instructor?

To become a certified flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate, pass a certified flight instructor written exam, and complete a flight instructor training course approved by the FAA. Afterward, you must pass a practical test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner to earn the CFI certification, which allows you to teach student pilots and log instruction hours.

Is there a shortage of certified flight instructors?

There is currently a high demand for certified flight instructors due to a shortage of qualified instructors in the aviation industry. This shortage is driven by increased pilot training needs and retirements, making it a favorable time for those pursuing a career as a flight instructor with appropriate certifications and flight hours.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,714 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Pet Training Instructor II

Chino, CA • On-site

PetSmart
Retail • 10K+ employees
Learn more about PetSmartexternal

$58K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

PetSmart rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

See More See Less
Job Description 

PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetics, and protected veteran status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This position is also eligible for benefits as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.

The employer will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Waterloo Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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What PetSmart employees say

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About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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