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Certified Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVIATORS INC

Chief Flight Instructor

Reseda, CA · On-site

FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) certification, with Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) credentials preferred. * Proven leadership experience in a flight training environment. * Minimum ...

Spartan Education

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Tulsa, OK

$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 ...

Spartan Education

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

West Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Spartan Education

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Watkins, CO

$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 ...

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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.
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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.
Instructor - Chief Flight Instructor

Instructor - Chief Flight Instructor

Louisiana Community and Technical College System

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Instructor - Chief Flight Instructor
Job no: 495441
Work type: Faculty Full-Time
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Categories: Workforce Development & Education
College: SOWELA
Department: Workforce Development
Sub department:
Type of Appointment: Unclassified - Faculty 12 month
Salary:
Duties and Responsibilities: • Daily management of 14 CFR Part 61 and 141 operations and compliance with all applicable FAA and LCTCS regulations.
• Conduct student stage checks, progress checks, and end-of-course evaluations as required by the Training Course Outlines (TCOs).
• Provide high-quality ground and flight instruction to students under both 14 CFR Part 141 and Part 61 training programs.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate flight instructors to ensure standardized training delivery and professional development.
• Maintain accurate and timely training records in compliance with FAA and institutional documentation requirements.
• Coordinate flight training schedules and ensure efficient aircraft and instructor utilization.
• Assist with Safety Management System (SMS) oversight, safety briefings, and program audits.
• Participate in curriculum review, instructional improvement, and integration of emerging aviation technology.
• Support recruitment, outreach, and industry partnership efforts to expand the aviation program's impact in Southwest Louisiana.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all training activities.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Education: • Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, or related field.
Required Experience: • Minimum of:
o 1000 hours of pilot in command.
o Flight training experience either as a CFI or military pilot consisting of:
• - 1.5 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or
• - 750 flight hours.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Pass a knowledge test on teaching methods, Aeronautical Information Manual, provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, 91, and 141, and Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI and CFII standards and proficiency on the flight procedures and maneuvers.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor will split time between office, classroom, and flight line environments. Duties may require occasional evening or weekend work and flexibility based on flight operations, weather, and student scheduling. The position involves exposure to typical aviation conditions, including aircraft noise and outdoor weather variations.
Required Licenses or Certifications: • Private Pilot
• Instrument
• Commercial
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII)
• Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.
Preferred Education: • Master's degree in Aviation, Education, or related discipline preferred.
Preferred Experience: • FAA Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) rating.
• Experience teaching in a collegiate or structured flight training program.
• Prior experience supervising or standardizing flight instructors.
• Familiarity with flight scheduling and recordkeeping systems (e.g., Flight Schedule Pro, Talon, ETA, or similar).
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Advertised: 31 Mar 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:
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