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Flight Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

North Star Aviation

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN

$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 ...

Endeavor Air

Flight Operations Ground Instructor

Eagan, MN · On-site

$53K - $63K/yr

Previous 121 flight crewmember experience preferred * Commercial pilot license with instrument and multi engine ratings and/or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license preferred * Previous airline ...

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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 Sep 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Are flight instructors in high demand?

Flight instructors are generally in steady demand as they are essential for training new pilots and maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry. The demand can fluctuate based on factors such as pilot retirements, industry growth, and regional needs, but overall, the role remains a critical part of aviation training programs.

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 and additional benefits.

What qualifications do you need to be a flight instructor?

To become a flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, have a minimum of 250 flight hours, and obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA or relevant authority. Additional requirements often include passing written and practical exams, demonstrating teaching ability, and meeting age and language proficiency standards.
More about Flight Instructor jobs

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Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,672 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Certified Flight Instructor

North Star Aviation

Mankato, MN

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

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.


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