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Flight Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

North Star Aviation

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN · On-site

$44K - $50K/yr

To ensure safe flight practices by maintaining training standards through stage checks and lesson ... Provide thorough, productive, and constructive debriefs to students and their instructors after ...

North Star Aviation

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

To ensure safe flight practices by maintaining training standards through stage checks and lesson ... instructors to overcome challenges in the learning process. Our Check Airmen work to ensure ...

Sun Country Airlines

Ground Instructor

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$60K - $70K/hr

Develop Training Schedules to integrate with fixed base and full flight simulator training ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

Sun Country Airlines

Ground Instructor

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

Develop Training Schedules to integrate with fixed base and full flight simulator training ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Minnesota

Flight Instructor information

See Minnesota salary details

$24.5K

$92.7K

$142.5K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Minnesota is $92,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $109,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to become a flight instructor?

Becoming a flight instructor typically requires obtaining a commercial pilot certificate, accumulating around 250 hours of flight time, and completing instructor training, which can take several months to a year depending on the individual's schedule and progress. Once certified, flight instructors often continue to build flight hours and experience for career advancement.

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.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5 hour rule for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) refers to the requirement that CFIs must log at least 5 hours of flight training with each student before endorsing them for solo flight or certain checkrides. This ensures adequate instruction time and skill development before students fly solo or progress further in their training.

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 meeting age and medical requirements. Flight instructors typically teach students in flight schools or training centers, helping them gain experience and meet certification standards.

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 training centers seek qualified instructors to help students obtain certifications such as the private and commercial pilot licenses, making it a viable career path for those with proper certifications and experience.

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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Minnesota? For Flight Instructor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in MN? For Flight Instructor jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,672 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Certified Flight Instructor

Certified Flight Instructor

North Star Aviation

Mankato, MN • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Purpose:
To provide excellent flight instruction and mentorship to our students in a safe and comfortable environment and work together with other instructors to overcome challenges in the learning process. Our flight instructors work to ensure compliance with applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and North Star Aviation policy with training students.
Tasks:
  • Conduct excellent instruction with flight and ground students.
  • Be an ambassador to safety by following applicable FOM procedures, file reports using the current safety reporting system, attend periodic safety meetings, and maintain a general safety mindset.
  • Ensure student records are kept in an orderly and accurate manner.
  • Periodically audit all records pertaining to students in their care and correct any errors while following applicable NSA procedures
  • Work in conjunction with assigned scheduler to ensure adequate student progress towards applicable flight lab completion deadlines.
  • Student progress is a shared responsibility. Schedulers ensure "quantity" of lessons, and Flight Instructors ensure "quality" of lessons.

Physical Demands:
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling.
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. routinely and up to 100 lbs. occasionally
  • Frequent work in small places, extreme temperatures, heights above six feet and noisy environments.

EEO/AAP/Drug Free Workplace
Requirements
Education & Experience:
  • Must hold at least a 2nd Class Medical
  • Must have CFI, CFI-I, and MEI ratings.
  • Prior experience teaching in PA-28-161/181, PA-44-180, and G1000 is preferred, but not required.
  • Able to meet the Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) as outlined by the FAA.

Salary Description
$22 - $30 / Hour

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