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Entry Level Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 entry level flight instructors?

As an entry level flight instructor, you may encounter challenges such as adapting your teaching style to fit different learning speeds and backgrounds, managing students' anxieties, and staying vigilant about safety in unpredictable weather conditions. You'll often be balancing administrative duties, like student record-keeping, with hands-on flight and ground instruction. However, the experience gained in overcoming these challenges builds your confidence, sharpens your instructional techniques, and sets a strong foundation for career advancement as a commercial or airline pilot.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Flight Instructor position, and why are they important?

Entry Level Flight Instructors need a thorough understanding of aviation fundamentals, effective teaching skills, and must hold a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight simulators, avionics systems, and logbook software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, patience, and quick decision-making abilities help create a supportive and safe learning environment for student pilots. These skills are essential to ensure students receive high-quality instruction while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

What does an Entry Level Flight Instructor do?

An Entry Level Flight Instructor is responsible for teaching student pilots the fundamentals of flying, including flight maneuvers, navigation, and aviation regulations. They conduct both ground and flight training sessions to help students develop the skills necessary to obtain their pilot certifications. Instructors ensure safety protocols are followed and provide guidance on improving flight techniques. This role is typically the first step for aspiring professional pilots to gain experience and logged flight hours.

More about Entry Level Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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 Entry Level Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Flight Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Aviation (Non-Tenure Track)

Assistant Professor, Aviation (Non-Tenure Track)

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

East Elmhurst, NY

$77K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Purpose

Vaughn College seeks applicants for a full-time non tenure track faculty position in the Department of Aviation. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in the aviation department in the teaching and assessment of the curriculum. The selected individual shall have the primary responsibility of teaching 12 credit hours minimum in aviation and Air Traffic Control related courses including FAR Part 141 flight ground courses. This student centric position shall be responsible to deliver service excellence support to meet the needs of the college and industry community.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provides instructions to students for the B.S. and A.A.S degree in Aircraft Operations-Pilots License with a concentration in Flight Education. Teaches a course load minimum of 12 credit hours per (Fall and Spring) semester.
  • Assists in maintaining all FAA related records for the Part 141 flight training courses.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of technology, learning management systems, and computer applications is essential.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions of the Aviation and Air Traffic department.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Must have the following current licenses:
    • FAA Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor Airplane, Instrument Airplane & multiengine rating.
    • Ground Instructor Advanced & Instrument; ATP license Multiengine and Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification in either an FAA , Military or Contract Tower
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
  • Ability to handle information of sensitive and confidential nature in the utmost professional manner. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
  • Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of information, protect the assets of the institution, act ethically and with integrity, and adhere to Vaughn’s Code of Conduct and policies and procedures.
  • Effective analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, and time management skills. Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituents.
  • Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
  • Manage, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks/projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.

Professional Skills

  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
  • Innovative: Introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
  • Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (masters preferred) with 10 year’s related experience and appropriate FAA Required current licenses as stated.
  • Current civilian or military Pilot Education experience
  • Must have the following current licenses:
    • FAA Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Flight Instructor Airplane, Instrument Airplane & multiengine rating.
    • Ground Instructor Advanced & Instrument; ATP license Multiengine and Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certification in either an FAA , Military or Contract Tower
  • Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that may include working nights and weekends.
  • A thorough understanding of technology, learning management systems, and computer applications is essential

Work environment and physical functions

This position is located in a classroom/office environment. Generally an employee needs to be able to sit, stand, and navigate within the office area. The office equipment either individually used or shared with a department is the responsibility of all employees. Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to (20) twenty pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Compensation

The entry level compensation for this position is expected to range from $77,000 - $81,000 per year.