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Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Instructor

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$46 - $55/hr

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) & CFII * 1,000 hours total time and 500 hours dual given * Valid FAA medical certificate (3rd class or better) * 50 hours PIC in Cirrus aircraft strongly ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do entry level certified flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 it easy to get a flight instructor job?

Securing an entry-level certified flight instructor position can vary depending on location, demand, and individual qualifications. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot certificate, a certified flight instructor certificate, and relevant flight hours, which can influence job availability. Building a strong network and gaining additional certifications can improve chances of employment in this field.

Is 25 too old to start flight training?

Entry Level Certified Flight Instructors can start flight training at age 25, as there is no maximum age limit for becoming a flight instructor. Many students begin training in their mid-20s or later, and success depends on meeting health, vision, and fitness requirements, as well as passing the necessary certifications and exams.

How to get hired as a flight instructor?

To get hired as a flight instructor, candidates must hold a commercial pilot certificate and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating from the FAA or relevant authority. They typically need to pass a checkride, demonstrate strong flying skills, and have good communication abilities. Employers often look for prior flight experience, a clean record, and the ability to teach and mentor students effectively.

What is the difference between Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor vs Private Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Certified Flight InstructorPrivate Pilot
Certifications NeededCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificatePrivate Pilot License (PPL)
Work EnvironmentFlight training schools, flight academiesPersonal flying, recreational flying, some commercial activities
Industry UsageTraining new pilots, flight instructionFlying for personal use, non-commercial purposes

While both roles involve flying and require pilot certifications, an Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor focuses on teaching and training new pilots using a CFI certificate, whereas a Private Pilot is primarily for personal flying and recreational purposes with a PPL. The CFI role is essential for those pursuing a career in aviation training, while the Private Pilot license is often a stepping stone toward commercial flying careers.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for entry-level certified flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors play a key role in training new pilots, and opportunities are often influenced by regional aviation activity and certification requirements. Job prospects can be favorable for those with strong instructional skills and relevant certifications.

How much can you make as a certified flight instructor?

Entry-level certified flight instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and flight hours. Pay often increases with additional certifications, flight hours, and teaching experience, and some instructors supplement income through flight school benefits or part-time work.
More about Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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:
What states have the most Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Certified Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

$20.43 - $26.43/hr

Per diem

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

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 offered at the McAir Flight Campus. Flight Instructors develop pilots by emphasizing safety and risk mitigation during flight operations as their student's matriculate through the Professional Pilot Course. In addition, Flight Instructors are managers of student training portfolios with essential duties and responsibilities listed below.
Essential Functions
  • CFI scheduling and coordinating with students toward their training progress, with results at no less than minimum appropriate rates for each student
  • Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground instruction as assigned by supervisory personnel
  • Maintain training records, and complete required documentation relating to student training, progress, and school operation at the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) level
  • Maintain a consistent quality of instruction at not less than the level mandated by the school, or by the Federal Aviation Regulations, whichever is to the higher standard
  • Attend mandatory standardization training and perform Solo Monitor duties when required
  • Provide administrative documentation pertinent to student training within prescribed time limits
  • Develop and prepare course outlines, study materials, and instructional procedures for student enrolled in basic, advanced, or instrument ground school
  • Lecture on various subjects such as aircraft construction, federal aviation regulations, and ratio navigation
  • Using synthetic instrument trainers, demonstrate operation of various aircraft components and instruments, and techniques for controlling aircraft during maneuvers such as taxiing, takeoff, and landing
  • Observe student's actions during training flights to ensure assimilation of classroom instruction and to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Tests and evaluates students' progress, using written and performance tests and oral interviews
  • Accomplish weekly scheduling functions and submit a daily report for Student Progress
  • Prepare students for flight evaluations by providing high quality training and effective feedback
  • Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students
  • Flight Instructors will be required to accomplish student scheduling and progress reporting. The expectation is that the scheduling process should take no longer than one hour to accomplish, and student progress reporting should take no longer than 10 minutes each day to accomplish
  • Flight Instructors can provide flight instruction for an FAA-mandated maximum of 8 hours per day and are encouraged to use the scheduling system to their advantage to accomplish this flight time
  • Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. However, Flight Instructors are assigned up to 10 students, and at a minimum will accomplish 3 lessons each week for each of their assigned students
Education and Work Experience
  • High School diploma or GED required
  • Active pursuit of undergraduate degree highly sought

Knowledge and Skills
  • CFI Required
  • CFII preferred
  • MEI preferred
  • FAA Class II Medical preferred
  • FAA Class III Medical required

Travel
Overnight flight or night flights may be required.
Physical Demands
This position requires a person to stand or sit for a prolonged period, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds, along with monitor engine operations of functioning, and communicate and coordinate vehicle or aircraft movement. This position also requires a person to maneuver an aircraft for extended periods of time in all various types of weather conditions. The long days can be physically demanding.
AAP/EEO Statement
Spartan provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In keeping with the above conviction, Spartan is committed to assuring that:
All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law;
Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action; and all personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, training, and participation in social and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Employee Scholarship