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Cfi Flight Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Redwire Defense Tech

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certification * Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays * Medical, vision, and dental insurance * Group Short ...

Redwire Defense Tech

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certification * Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays * Medical, vision, and dental insurance * Group Short ...

Redwire Defense Tech

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certification * Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays * Medical, vision, and dental insurance * Group Short ...

Redwire Defense Tech

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certification * Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays * Medical, vision, and dental insurance * Group Short ...

Edge Autonomy

UAS Test Pilot

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certification * Military Experience REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS * Matching 401(k) * Paid PTO * Paid holidays * Medical, vision, and dental insurance * Group Short ...

Navi AI

ML/AI Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... instructor vs. student behavior, and generate debrief reports that match what a seasoned CFI would ... Build and improve the ML systems that power Navi's automated flight debrief - maneuver detection ...

ADVANCED AIR, LLC

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$65K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

CFI, CFII, MEI Certificates, Preferred, but no required. * Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight ... Operate as PIC and Flight Instructor till ready for Check Pilot Duties * Operate as PIC and Check ...

ADVANCED AIR LLC

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA

$65K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

CFI, CFII, MEI Certificates, Preferred, but no required. * Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight ... Operate as PIC and Flight Instructor till ready for Check Pilot Duties * Operate as PIC and Check ...

Advanced Air LLC

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$65K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

CFI, CFII, MEI Certificates, Preferred, but no required. * Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight ... Operate as PIC and Flight Instructor till ready for Check Pilot Duties * Operate as PIC and Check ...

All JobsCfi Flight Instructor JobsCfi Flight Instructor Jobs in California

Cfi Flight Instructor information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$93.4K

$143.6K

How much do cfi flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cfi flight instructor in California is $93,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What opportunities for career advancement exist for CFI flight instructors?

CFI Flight Instructors often begin by teaching student pilots but can advance to roles such as chief flight instructor, corporate or charter pilot, or airline transport pilot with additional experience and ratings. Many instructors log valuable flight hours with students, which counts toward eligibility for more advanced pilot certificates and positions. Some flight schools also offer opportunities for CFIs to move into managerial, curriculum development, or simulator instruction roles. Advancement typically depends on your dedication, skill development, and total flight time. This career path is an excellent starting point for building a broad network and qualifying for higher-level aviation positions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a CFI flight instructor?

To thrive as a CFI Flight Instructor, you need comprehensive aeronautical knowledge, strong piloting skills, and an FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate. Familiarity with flight training devices, aircraft navigation systems, and aviation safety protocols is crucial. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability are vital soft skills when instructing students with varying learning needs. These abilities ensure effective training, maintain safety standards, and support students’ progress toward their pilot certifications.

What is a CFI flight instructor?

A CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) Flight Instructor is a professional pilot responsible for training students in flight techniques, safety procedures, and aviation regulations. They provide both ground instruction and hands-on flight training to help students earn their pilot certificates and ratings. CFIs ensure students develop the necessary skills to operate an aircraft safely and efficiently while preparing them for written, oral, and practical examinations.

Are Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in demand?

Cfi Flight Instructor jobs are generally in steady demand due to ongoing pilot training needs and the growth of the aviation industry. Opportunities depend on regional flight schools, certification requirements, and industry trends, with demand often increasing as new pilots enter the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in California?

For Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in California look for?

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Cfi Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cfi Flight Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,381 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)

San Carlos Flight Center

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$44 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)
Are you a flight instructor looking to join the best flight school in the country? San Carlos Flight Center is always looking for safe, and enthusiastic flight instructors. We accept applications year-round, but new instructors are hired in groups that start on the same day and go through two-week CFI Onboarding together.
Our application review period for the August 10 CFI Hiring Round is closing soon. Please be sure your application and teaching video are in before Monday, July 20, 2026.
Our next scheduled 2026 CFI hire dates for August 10th, and December 7th. Start dates in 2027 are currently planned for March 1st, May 17th, and August 23rd. We often make changes to start dates due to demand, so check back here for the most current information.
To Apply to be an SCFC Flight Instructor
  • View our CFI Applicant Information slide deck (here)
  • Submit an application here, then make a short (5-8 minute) video of you teaching one of these topics:
    • Lift: What a Pilot Needs to Know
    • Altimeter Setting and Errors
    • Drag: What a Pilot Needs to Know
  • Upload it somewhere we can access and send link to chiefpilot@sancarlosflight.com
  • We will follow up with a ground interview request for applicants that meet our standards.

The Flight Center is different from other flight schools and flying clubs in a number of ways. We have a strong flying club feel and a great community of pilots. We have many events each month that bring pilots together, both training and social. We are Part 61 and believe in a strong, thorough syllabus that includes many enhanced training experiences (e.g., tower tours, social dinner flights, etc.) We believe in training highly competent pilots who had a great time learning to fly.
Expectations of SCFC Instructors:
  • Focus on safety
  • Professional behavior
  • Prepared for student lessons
  • Adherence to FAA, airport, and club rules
  • Knowledge of our teaching methods
  • Good documentation of student training
  • Work well with others (ATC, line service, front desk, mx)
  • Effective, quality instruction
  • Care about quality and our brand
  • PIC command of your students' training paths

Compensation:
  • Training rate $19/hr (new hire training, team meetings, etc.)
  • Regular rate $44/hr (ground/flight work with students)
  • Kaiser health care contribution
  • Enrollment in company 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, etc.)
  • $200 annual flight credit and discounts on flight training and aircraft rental

San Carlos Flight Center is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify Program. Note: we do not have a minimum dual given hours requirement. New CFIs are welcome to apply.

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