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Contract Flight Instructor Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Contract Flight Instructor information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$24.3K

$91.9K

$141.3K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight instructor in Pittsburgh, PA is $91,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $108,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract flight instructors, and how can they be managed?

Contract Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as fluctuating student schedules, adapting to different aircraft types, and maintaining clear communication with both students and flight school management. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to managing these hurdles. Instructors should proactively coordinate with students to set reliable training sessions, keep their qualifications current for various aircraft, and foster an open line of communication with all parties to ensure smooth operations and effective learning.

What is the difference between Contract Flight Instructor vs Part-Time Flight Instructor?

AspectContract Flight InstructorPart-Time Flight Instructor
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed or hired per contract, variable locationsPart-time employment at flight schools or flight training centers
Employer/Industry UsageHired directly by flight schools or as independent contractorsEmployed by flight schools on a part-time basis

Contract Flight Instructors typically work independently or on a contractual basis, often at multiple locations, while Part-Time Flight Instructors are employed by flight schools for limited hours. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and work arrangement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Flight Instructor, you need a valid commercial pilot's license with instructor ratings, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and significant flight experience. Familiarity with flight simulators, electronic logbooks, and training management systems is typically required, along with up-to-date certifications such as CFI or CFII. Exceptional communication, patience, and adaptability are essential soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring diverse student pilots. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, effective flight training and help students achieve proficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is a contract flight instructor?

Contract Flight Instructors are certified pilots who provide flight training services on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees of a flight school or organization. They may work independently or for multiple employers, offering instruction in various types of aircraft or simulators. Their responsibilities typically include teaching students how to fly, preparing them for pilot certification, and ensuring adherence to aviation safety standards. Contract Flight Instructors often have flexible schedules and may also assist with recurrent training or specialized courses.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Instructor job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,858 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Community College Of Allegheny County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Job description

Position Title: Adjunct Aviation
Department: Academics
Campus: South Campus
Additional Information: Please note: If you are a PSERS retiree, per PSERS guidelines, employment by the College as an adjunct faculty member will result in the suspension of your retirement benefits by PSERS.
Transcripts: Applicants must electronically attach scanable unofficial transcripts when applying to this posting.
Work Hours (for hourly positions): Days and hours vary according to class schedule and the needs of the College and Department.
Salary Grade: Per Contract
Job Category: Adjunct/Faculty
Employment Type: Adjunct Part-Time
General Summary: The primary responsibilities of the faculty are to teach and to develop the curriculum. To meet these responsibilities, faculty must remain knowledgeable about advances in their disciplines, in learning theory, and in pedagogy. Faculty portfolios will include contributions and program development and show evidence of ongoing professional development.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred; one year of teaching experience as a flight and/or ground instructor with active FAA Certified Flight Instructor Certificate or FAA Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate.
Applicants are expected to have strong communication skills;post-secondary teaching experiences; work experiences in the discipline to betaught; and knowledge of industry-related software and systems, includingindustry certifications, where appropriate. Degrees must be from anaccredited institution.
Duties:
1. The primary responsibilities of faculty are to teach and to develop the curriculum. Prepare and provide students with course outlines that support learning objectives set forth in the course syllabus. Develop and measure learning outcomes. Assess student performance and maintain grade records.
2. Create an effective learning environment through the use of a variety of instructional methods.
3. Collaborate in the development and continued assessment of learning outcomes for use in program reviews and curriculum revision.
4. Work with other program and/or discipline faculty to complete scheduled program reviews and to use the findings to revise the curriculum.
5. Participate in appropriate professional development activities to assure currency in both discipline, knowledge and instructional methods.
6. Participate in department/discipline, division, campus, and college meetings and committees.
7. Participate in college projects, surveys, studies, and reports that relate to the discipline or program.
8. Collaborate in the development of program and/or discipline promotional materials.
9. Support the college's goals.
10. Perform other related duties as required or assigned.
Clearances: Current criminal record/child abuse clearances will be required if offered the position and in order to be employed at the College. The three clearances are Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Check. The College has provided instructions on how to obtain these clearances and are available here.

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