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Flight Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 26, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,672 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

College Laboratory Asst 2- Certified Flight Instructor- Helicopter

Minnstate

Duluth, MN

$46K - $64K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:

College Laboratory Asst 2- Certified Flight Instructor- Helicopter

Institution:

Lake Superior College

Classification Title:

College Laboratory Asst 2

Bargaining Unit / Union:

218: Non-Unit

City:

Duluth

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Part time

Employment Condition:

Classified - Unlimited

Salary Range:

$22.27 - $31.99

Job Description:

This position provides the Center for Advanced Aviation (CAA), Professional Pilot Airplane and Helicopter programs, with tutoring, classroom assistance, student training, testing, record keeping, safety, security and technical support for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified programs. The incumbent will serve as a Certified Flight Instructor, Chief and / or Assistant Chief Pilot (as required by FAA 141 Certification), and is responsible for direct, one to one flight instruction and leading students through: FAA required stage checks, preparation for end of course tests and proficiency checks. The CLA will be present and provide guidance to students during all pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight inspections and during all student flights. As required by the FAA, the CLA will be available by phone, radio, or other electronic means, when student flight training occurs.

Salary Range:

$22.27-$31.12 hourly, $46,500-$64,979 annually

*Salary placement is dependent on education and experience. Annual salary will be prorated based on actual hours work within year.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Post-Secondary or industry certificate/diploma/degree or relevant licensure as a FAA 141 Certified Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor or a Multi Engine Instructor.
  • One year of teaching and/or tutoring as a Certified Flight Instructor of initial Certified Flight Instructor Candidates or 4 years of work experience as a FAA 141 Certified Flight Instructor, Assist Chief Instructor, or a Multi Engine Instructor where no industry standard or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualification:

  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Hold a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate and a current flight instructor certificate. The certificates must contain the appropriate aircraft category, class, and instrument ratings if required for the category and class of aircraft used;
  • Flight training experience as a certified flight instructor, as a commercial or military pilot training program, or a combination thereof that must include: 1 year and a total of 250 flight hours; or 500 flight hours.
  • The flight instructor instrument rating or rating with instrument privileges must include: At least 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions; At least 500 hours as pilot in command;
  • Instrument flight instructor experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor-instrument or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, 1 year and a total of 125 flight hours; or 200 flight hours;
  • For a course of training other than one leading to the issuance of a recreational or private pilot certificate or rating, or an instrument rating or a rating with instrument privileges, an assistant chief instructor must have: (1) At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command; and (2) Flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least 112years and a total of 500 flight hours; or 750 flight hours or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Other Requirements:

  • This position requires successful completion of the following;
  • In accordance with the Department of Transportation requirements, safety-sensitive workers shall complete pre-employment drug and alcohol tests and will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return to duty drug and alcohol testing.

Work Shift:

Day Shift

Work Days:
Variable

Work Hours:

Variable

Work Area:

Academic and Student Affairs

Work Location:

Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation (Hanger 103)

4960 Airport Rd.

Duluth, MN 52811

Telework (Yes/No):

No

About:

Lake Superior College is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator deeply committed to fostering the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We unequivocally prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law.

As an affirmative action employer, we proactively seek to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce. We sincerely encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, racial and ethnic historically underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Our commitment to affirmative action is integral to creating a workplace that values and leverages the unique perspectives and contributions of every employee. LSC actively seeks to attract and retain a diverse faculty and staff who represent the richness of our institution and the broader community we serve by fostering their development and recognizing their contributions. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Lake Superior College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.


Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date:

08-26-2026

Position End Date:

Open Date:

07-22-2026

Close Date:

07-31-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Hannah Marie Robarge

Posting Contact Email:

hannah.robarge@lsc.edu