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Flight Instructor Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Instructor information

See Alabama salary details

$22.7K

$85.8K

$131.9K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Alabama is $85,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much can a flight instructor earn?

Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours they teach. Many instructors supplement their income by working part-time or gaining additional certifications to increase their earning potential.

What is the difference between Flight Instructor vs Pilot?

AspectFlight InstructorPilot
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, instructional settingsAirlines, charter companies, cargo, private flights
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training academies, flight schoolsAirlines, charter services, corporate aviation

While both Flight Instructors and Pilots operate aircraft, Flight Instructors focus on training and certifying new pilots, requiring specific instructional certifications. Pilots typically operate aircraft for transportation or commercial purposes, holding higher-level licenses. The roles often overlap in aircraft operation but differ mainly in purpose and certification requirements.

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

To thrive as a Flight Instructor, you need comprehensive aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather systems, and logbook management software is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles are crucial soft skills. These capabilities ensure effective and safe pilot training, fostering student confidence and aviation safety standards.

How much money can you make as a flight instructor?

Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours they teach. Entry-level instructors often start at the lower end, while experienced instructors or those working for larger flight schools can earn higher wages, sometimes supplemented by flight hour bonuses or additional responsibilities.

What are Flight Instructors?

Flight Instructors are certified pilots who teach student pilots how to fly aircraft safely and efficiently. They provide both ground instruction and in-flight training, covering topics such as aviation regulations, aircraft operation, navigation, and emergency procedures. Flight Instructors play a crucial role in helping students gain the skills and experience needed to earn pilot licenses and ratings. They are responsible for ensuring that students understand safety protocols and develop the confidence to operate aircraft independently.

What Is a Flight Instructor?

A Flight Instructor teaches students to fly an aircraft utilizing in-class instruction, a flight simulator, and through test airplane flights. Flight Instructors train students on the physics of aerodynamics, how to manage the navigation and emergency systems, and provide pre- and post-flight checklists. The training process also covers radio procedures and includes practice flights. Flight Instructors are certified pilots themselves, often with hundreds or thousands of hours of flight time, and must remain current on all training and requirements.

How can I become a flight instructor?

To become a flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, accumulate the required flight hours, and obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA or relevant authority. This process involves passing written and practical exams, demonstrating teaching ability, and often completing additional training on instructional techniques and safety procedures.

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. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically in higher demand, especially in regions with active flight schools and pilot training programs.

What are some common challenges Flight Instructors face when working with student pilots, and how can they address them?

Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying learning styles and confidence levels, which can make it challenging to tailor lessons effectively. Weather conditions and scheduling constraints can also disrupt training plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability. To address these challenges, instructors regularly assess each student's progress, adapt their teaching techniques, and maintain clear communication to ensure safety and comprehension. Building rapport and fostering a supportive learning environment helps students overcome anxiety and develop their skills more effectively.
More about Flight Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama? For Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in AL? For Flight Instructor jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,762 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
TES Certificated Flight Instructor

TES Certificated Flight Instructor

Auburn University

Auburn, AL • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
Auburn University is initiating a search for TES Certified Flight Instructors to provide flight training for Auburn University students enrolled in Professional Flight.
IMPORTANT - When submitting your application for consideration you will need to upload a copy of your certification(s) in the Additional Documents area of the application. Temporary FAA certificates are acceptable.
Temporary Employment Services (TES), a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, is an in-house support center established to meet the temporary employment needs of the university. TES provides qualified and dedicated temporary employees in a wide variety of occupations to meet the staffing needs throughout the campus. Temporary employees are hired for a variety of reasons with the most common being:
  • Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
  • Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
  • Assistance with special projects
  • Seasonal work
  • Emergencies

If you are looking for an employment opportunity, TES is a great way to showcase your professional skills and assist Auburn University while gaining valuable work experience within higher education.
AU student employees are not eligible for TES.
Responsibilities
  • Provide flight, aviation training device (simulator), and oral instruction in accordance with all AU Professional Flight and FAA procedures and practices. Prepare schedules, maintain records, and ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by each student in each flight course.
  • Promotes and instills the safety culture of AU Flight Education by adhering to all prescribed policies and procedures, bringing any safety-related issues to the attention of the Chief and Assistant Chief Flight Instructors, and working to instill a culture of safety in all their students.
  • Ensures each assigned student is scheduled in accordance with the student's flight training schedule on the days and time blocks established. Schedules assigned students to make up any missed lessons, or to accommodate additional availability the student may have.
  • Perform the duties of a certificated flight instructor as authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the FAA-approved Training Course Outlines:
    • Regularly schedule each assigned student to ensure satisfactory progress through the course and immediately inform assigned Assistant Chief Flight Instructor of any delays in training or satisfactory progress.
    • Accurately maintain all appropriate records, which includes student training records, student logbook, and computer records.
    • Ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by all assigned students as prescribed in the applicable Training Course Outline.
    • Adequately prepare assigned students for Stage Checks, End-of-Course Tests, and FAA Practical Tests.
    • Be responsible for the timely course completion of all students assigned including completion of required documentation.
    • Monitor the maintenance condition and airworthiness status of the training aircraft and inform fleet maintenance personnel and/or supervisor of any discrepancies.
    • File safety reports as necessary to report any observed safety concerns or situations that may adversely affect aviation safety.
    • Attend administrative, standardization, currency training, and instructor meetings as assigned.
    • Complete all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Level I: CFII requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $33 per hour
Level II: MEI requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane/Multi-Engine Airplane certification - $35 per hour
Level III: Flight Standards requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $36-38 per hour
All Levels require a current Third Class FAA Medical Certification
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must demonstrate piloting proficiency and instructing ability during initial standardization training. Ability to work well under pressure in a busy environment, congested airspace, and be able to exercise proper aeronautical decision making.
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

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