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Flight Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers. To meet the demands of discerning customers who look for the absolute best, training is provided ...

Overview The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers. To meet the demands of discerning customers who look for the absolute best, training is ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Flight Nurse

Grand Rapids, MN · On-site

$85K - $88K/yr

Instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP, ITLS/PHTLS. Why Choose Guardian Flight? As a leading provider of air medical services, management and experience in the air medical industry ...

Instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP, ITLS/PHTLS. Why Choose Guardian Flight? As a leading provider of air medical services, management and experience in the air medical industry ...

Applicants for instructor or examiner positions must be within the past 8 YEARS instructor or examiner qualified in Rescue Aircraft or Helicopter Aircraft. GS-09 QUALIFICATIONS FOR FLIGHT ENGINEER ...

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Flight Instructor information

See Minnesota salary details

$24.5K

$92.7K

$142.5K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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 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.
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 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:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,672 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Flight Instructor 1

$56K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers. To meet the demands of discerning customers who look for the absolute best, training is provided in iconic Cirrus Aircraft SR and SF model airplanes at the premier Cirrus locations across the country. The training follows a structured syllabus with proprietary course material for streamlined training to support the learning process. Ancillary duties include identifying and communicating pilot progression and opportunities, record keeping, safety management, flight planning and preparation, lesson planning and preparation, complex problem solving, mastery of subject matter material, and recommending process improvements. Duties include acting as pilot in command of Cirrus aircraft while performing 14 CFR part 91 corporate flight operations (demonstration, repositioning, and post-maintenance flights) when needed, flight reviews, proficiency checks, and other similar pilot and flight instructor duties. The Cirrus Factory Direct instructor reports to the Flight Operations Supervisor.


  • Adhere to all industry and Cirrus established safety procedures and policies when performing job duties
  • Provide excellent and professional customer service
  • Make timely and accurate decisions regarding safety of flight
  • Conduct training events following program guidance and requirements
  • Provide flight and ground instruction per standards defined in Cirrus policy and procedure documents.
  • Meticulously record all training event activities and results in pilot training records
  • Recommend students for FAA written and practical tests
  • Assess pilot performance in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains for each training event
  • Discover opportunities to customize training events to fit individual student needs
  • Act as pilot in command of Cirrus aircraft while performing corporate flight missions, ferry flights, internal training flights, and demonstration flights
  • Perform normal pre-flight and post-flight inspections, clean, fuel, add oil and de-ice fluid, update chart subscriptions, etc.
  • Continuous learning of the latest developments in the Cirrus Aircraft line of aircraft products
  • Process and maintain a deep level of aircraft knowledge and be a model aviator, flight instructor, and Cirrus representative
  • Maintain communication with students as required pre- and post- training
  • Enhance flight safety by providing excellent, high quality, and standardized flight and ground instruction
  • All other duties as assigned

  • 150 hours dual given, or graduation from an approved school
  • Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFII)
  • Airplane Single engine
  • Instrument Airplane
  • Hold FAA Pilot Certificate
  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land
  • Instrument Airplane
  • Current Second-class Airman Medical Certificate or higher
  • IFR in congested airspace, mountain flying, extensive IMC, international flight, and night experience preferred

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations


These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!


Salary Range: USD $56,126.76/Yr. - USD $84,190.13/Yr.

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