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Flight Instructor Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Instructor - Adjunct

Auburn, WA · On-site

$101.95 - $113.93/hr

Knowledge of Code Federal Regulations: o Part 61- Pilot and Flight Instructor Certification procedures o Part 65 - Aircraft Dispatcher Certification requirements o Part 91 - General Operating Rules o ...

Flight Instructor Pilot information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45K

$117.3K

$195.2K

How much do flight instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor pilot in Seattle, WA is $117,260.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,600.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Flight Instructor Pilots face when training new students, and how can they effectively manage them?

Flight Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying student learning styles, managing student anxiety, and ensuring clear communication during flight lessons. Effectively managing these challenges involves adapting instructional techniques to each student's needs, maintaining patience, and prioritizing safety at all times. Building trust with students and providing constructive feedback are also essential to fostering a positive and productive training environment.

Can you get a job as a flight instructor?

Yes, flight instructor pilots can find employment teaching aspiring pilots how to fly, often at flight schools or flying clubs. To qualify, they must hold a commercial pilot certificate, an instructor rating, and meet experience requirements set by aviation authorities. Job availability depends on location, experience, and certification levels.

How much do pilot instructors earn?

Flight instructor pilots typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying they do. Entry-level instructors may start at lower wages, while experienced instructors or those working for airlines can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by flight hours and certifications.

What are Flight Instructor Pilots?

Flight Instructor Pilots are experienced aviators who are certified to teach student pilots how to fly airplanes or helicopters. They provide both ground instruction, covering topics like aviation theory and safety, and in-flight training to help students develop piloting skills. Flight instructors are responsible for preparing students for written exams, practical tests, and ensuring they understand aviation regulations. Their role is crucial in helping aspiring pilots gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to earn their pilot licenses.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Many flight schools and flight training organizations seek qualified instructors with certifications such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to help students earn their pilot licenses and ratings.

How much can I make as a flight instructor?

Flight instructor pilots typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flight school. Entry-level instructors often start at the lower end, while experienced instructors or those working for larger organizations can earn higher wages, sometimes supplemented by flight hours and tips.

What is the difference between Flight Instructor Pilot vs Flight Engineer?

AspectFlight Instructor PilotFlight Engineer
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, sometimes an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, small to medium aircraftCommercial aircraft, airline operations, cockpit crew
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training academies, flight schoolsAirlines, cargo carriers, large commercial flights

Flight Instructor Pilots primarily train student pilots and work in flight schools, focusing on teaching flying skills. Flight Engineers, on the other hand, are part of the cockpit crew on larger aircraft, managing systems during flights. While both roles involve aviation expertise, they differ significantly in certifications, work environment, and industry usage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial pilot license with instructor certification (such as CFI), and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulators, avionics systems, and training management software is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effective teaching and ensuring student safety. These competencies enable instructors to deliver high-quality training, maintain safety standards, and prepare future pilots for real-world flying challenges.
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Flight Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Flight Instructor Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor Pilot job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,260 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Flight Simulator Training Instructor

Green River College

Auburn, WA • On-site

$35/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Green River College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $35.00 Hourly
Location : Downtown Auburn Center - 1221 D St NE, Auburn, WA
Job Type: Hourly Part Time
Job Number: 26-Hourly-Flight Instructor
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 06/18/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
The Technology Division is currently accepting applications for part-time Flight Simulator Instructors. These instructors will support classroom teaching by providing simulator flight training on single-engine and multi-engine general aviation aircraft. For more information, please visit the Aviation Department page at the following link.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
Green River College's student body is made up of approximately 41% Academic Transfer students, 34% Professional-Technical students, 15% Adult Basic Education student, and 3% Applied Bachelor degrees. Green River College has four campuses, including the main campus in Auburn, Washington, with satellite campuses in Kent, downtown Auburn, and Enumclaw. Green River programs serve high school graduates, Running Start students (dual enrollment in local high schools and the college), those seeking retraining for the workforce, international students, students learning English, and Continuing Education students. Green River's service areas are increasingly ethnically diverse, comprising African Americans, African immigrants, Asian Americans, Asians, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Middle Eastern Americans, among other communities.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:
We commit to be an anti-racist institution where all students, faculty, and staff receive the access, resources, and services needed to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. Green River College makes social and economic justice, equity, and inclusion our highest priorities.
The Green River College definition of equity encompasses all identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, economic status, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religion/spirituality, immigration status, age, and culture. We understand individual needs vary widely, and the effects of discrimination and historical oppression must be taken into account while aiming for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.
Position Responsibilities
The successful candidate will utilize simulator lessons to reinforce classroom material learned in private pilot, instrument, and commercial ground school courses.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Possess a current Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license
  • Demonstrated experience working with staff and students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Possess a current Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) license
  • At least 100 hours of pilot instruction as a CFI

Supplemental Information
Attach the following with your completed online application and responses to the Supplemental Questions (located under the tab titled "Supplemental Questions") to be considered for this position.
  • A Cover Letter which specifically describes how you meet each qualification
  • Resume
  • Supplemental question(s)

(*) Should you have any difficulties uploading the below documents, please contact NeoGov tech support at 1-855-524-5627 Mon-Fri 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. pacific time.At this time, Green River College is not sponsoring for H1-B Visas.
All offers of employment are subject to background checks. (Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.)
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law RCW 28B.112.080.
Green River College is a tobacco free campus. For more information on the tobacco policy, please visit the following link:
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report- Green River College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at , containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 253-288-3350.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092-3622, (253) 288-3320.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Support Services at (253) 833-9111, ext. 2631; TTY (253) 288-3359.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Statement of Non-Discrimination: Green River College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual sensory, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Green River College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sex-based harassment, and sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Green River College's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Reporting: Any employee, student, applicant, or visitor who believes that he, she or they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the College's appropriate Title IX Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to the President's office for referral to an alternate designee.
For students/employees/public/visitors/applicants:Korland Simmons, Title IX Coordinator • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
  • Email: titleixcoordinator@greenriver.edu

Non-Permanent Temporary employees typically do not qualify for retirement and insurance benefits; however they may if they meet certain eligibility criteria.
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After over 55 years, Green River College remains committed to serving the needs of our communities. How would your proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion support our commitment to serve communities that are rapidly changing?
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