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Contract Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... full flight simulator training. * Develop and coordinate contract simulator training courseware ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

... full flight simulator training. * Develop and coordinate contract simulator training courseware ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) - Airplane Multi-engine Land • Flight Instructor (CFI) - Airplane ... and contract flight operations • Experience with C-130J Tactical Operations and/or Special ...

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Contract Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 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 are Contract Flight Instructors?

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.
More about Contract Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Flight Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 63% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Ground Instructor

$60K - $70K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Sun Country Airlines rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

About Sun Country Airlines

We’re not your average airline. We’re agile, resilient, and full of unique opportunity. Here, you can grow as part of an ambitious team that safely and collectively supports each other, our travelers, and our community. Together, we're making travel more attainable.

With more than 40 years of Minnesota roots, we're a unique hybrid low-cost carrier offering diverse services including scheduled flights to destinations across the U.S., Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as charter and cargo operations around the world. At Sun Country, you'll be part of a growing airline, and an enthusiastic team focused on connecting our community with their favorite people and places.

Sun Country Airlines provides the resources and support our employees need to succeed. Besides working at a great and growing company, as a Ground Instructor you’ll enjoy these benefits and more:

  • Comprehensive benefit package including dental and vision
  • PPO and high-deductible health plans
  • Health savings accounts (HSA and FSA)
  • Dependent Care
  • Starting day one free standby and discounted travel privileges for employees, family, & friends
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program including counseling for employees and their family
  • Fitness incentive and Stop Smoking Support

Ground Instructor Overview:

Sun Country Airlines is seeking a Ground Instructor to be responsible for developing, maintaining and facilitating various pilot and other ground training courses. This will include training for new hires as well as recurrent training.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Instruct, facilitate, and conduct all ground training modules including classroom presentations, systems integration training, and procedures training.
  • Develop FAA approved Training Program Curricula by creating lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Develop Training Schedules to integrate with fixed base and full flight simulator training.
  • Develop and coordinate contract simulator training courseware.
  • Audit training performance, internal and external contract training.
  • Identify and recommend Operating Manual changes/improvements.
  • Conduct information systems support of pilot ground training devices including
  • Computer Network/iPad/Software Administrator for training center computers
  • Updates/installs all databases, programs, used for pilot training
  • Initiate operational changes to assure training plan completion prior to operational requirements
  • Work with senior management team regarding training concerns including areas of improvement for ground training program and student performance.
  • Maintain training library, digital library, training handouts, documentation, source material, etc.
  • Coordinate as needed with Chief Pilot in the pilot hiring process
  • Develop written tests for baseline qualification analysis
  • Develop, print, and distribute training material for both students and simulator instructors
  • Ancillary duties may include ASAP and/or FOQA program management/support
  • Support other training operations (Flight Attendants, Ground Operations, etc.) on behalf of Flight Operations.
  • Ensure tasks are conducted in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal safety and health regulations, programmatic standards, and with any special safety concerns identified by Sun Country Airlines
  • Any other duties assigned by management

Required Qualifications:

  • Two-year degree or technical education
  • Aviation instruction background
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office applications and able to use or quickly learn enterprise applications.
  • Must be a motivated self-starter able to perform and communicate effectively within a multitasking environment.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Previous 121 or military experience
  • Instrument rating
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
  • Military Navigator

Compensation:

Pay range: $60,000k - $70,000 USD annually. This is the base compensation hiring range for this role.

Classification:

Full-Time, Exempt

Work Location:

Minneapolis, MN (onsite)

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to provide a summary of key responsibilities and the anticipated work environment of an accountant.  They are not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of job duties. Position expectations may change as the needs, or the requirements of the organization evolve.

AAP/EEO Statement:

It is the policy of Sun Country Airlines to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Sun Country Airlines respects and values every employee’s contribution to our business. We believe that an important part of our strength comes from our people and their array of perspectives.

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