1

Certified Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Tulsa, OK ยท 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 ...

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $28/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

Broomfield, CO ยท 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 ...

Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

Knowledge and instructor certification appropriate to the position sought * Knowledge of various flight instruction instrumentation and equipment * Interpersonal/human relations skills * Verbal and ...

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Watkins, CO ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Certified Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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 pilot certification standards. The demand can fluctuate based on the aviation industry, pilot training needs, and regional factors, but overall, CFIs are essential for pilot development and often find consistent employment opportunities.

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.

How do you become a certified flight instructor?

To become a certified flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate, complete an FAA-approved flight instructor training course, pass the FAA written knowledge exam, and successfully complete a checkride with an FAA-designated pilot examiner. This process verifies your flying skills and teaching ability, enabling you to instruct student pilots and help them gain flight experience.

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, with pay often increasing with experience, location, and the number of flight hours logged. Many instructors supplement their income through flight hour bonuses or by working at flight schools that offer additional pay incentives.

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 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:

Who are the top companies hiring for Certified Flight Instructor jobs?

The top employers for 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:

Infographic showing various Certified Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Helicopter CFI - Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Vali Incorporated

Milton, FL โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Vali Incorporated seeks highly qualified Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to support AMS Flight School located in Milton, Florida. Position Responsibilities:Provide flight instruction to students in accordance with FAA 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 141 standardsProvide ground instru...

Vali logo

About Vali

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Government relations and lobbying services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntsville, AL, US

Year founded

2017