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Flight Instructor Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is excited to offer an exciting opportunity for a talented instructor to join our team as a Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. In this role ...

Flight Nurse

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$97K - $139K/yr

NRP and instructor certifications preferred. * CFRN certification (must be obtained within 24 months of hire). * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Ability to lift up to 100 lbs and maintain ...

Flight Nurse

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$28.66 - $49.63/hr

IMMEDIATE HIRING!   Flight Nurse Career Opportunity   * Starting Range is $28.66-$49.63 per ... Instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP, ITLS/PHTLS. Why Choose Med-Trans? As a leader in ...

Flight Nurse

Albuquerque, NM

$28.73 - $41.01/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Flight or transport experience and instructor certifications. Compensation & Benefits * Competitive Pay : $28.73-$41.01 per hour, with annual earnings of $97,452-$139,208. * Location Bonus : Up to 15 ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * Maintains all certifications required by policy. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * CFRN within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Health Group education/orientation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$23.3K

$88.3K

$135.8K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Albuquerque, NM is $88,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $104,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

For Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

What cities near Albuquerque, NM are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Albuquerque, NM with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,314 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Direct Support Operator (DSO) Instructor

Leidos

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Step into a mission-critical role where your expertise drives real-world impact!
Leidos is excited to offer an exciting opportunity for a talented instructor to join our team as a Direct Support Operator (DSO) Flight Instructor at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. In this role, you'll be at the center of preparing Career Enlisted Aviators to operate the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) Air and next-generation systems. This position blends impactful classroom instruction, immersive simulator training, and mission-focused airborne operations-giving you the chance to directly influence aviators heading into meaningful real-world missions. Candidates must hold an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to be considered.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a Direct Support Operator Instructor, training 1A8 career field personnel for basic qualifications, mission qualifications, aircraft differences, re-qualification, and instructor upgrades.
  • Deliver engaging training on mission planning, flight safety, airmanship, threat warning, TTPs, and COMSEC procedures.
  • Develop and refine classroom instruction materials and simulator scenarios.
  • Advise on military SOI development, ensuring training content is cutting-edge and mission-relevant.
  • Assess and log student performance with precision, creating individualized remedial training plans when needed.
  • Travel for aircraft-specific difference training or support to training operations across all approved 1A8 training locations, as required.

Required Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of experience. In addition to former DSO instructors or operators, we welcome former TSO operators/instructors, as well as former RJ, Compass Call, and Airborne Instructors.
  • Bachelor's degree may be substituted for 4 years of experience).
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required on Day 1-mission readiness is essential.
  • Ability to pass and maintain requisite flight physical qualifications for the duration of employment, as directed by the COR.
  • Proven instructional expertise, ideally with prior flight instructor experience.
  • Strong customer service skills, navigating interactions with military officers and civilian managers.
  • Ability to lead independently while thriving within a high-performance, dynamic team.
  • Strong communication skills-both verbal and written.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office Suite and flight training and integration software, such as Patriot Excalibur (PEX) and Graduate / Training Integration Management System (G/TIMS).

If you're ready to train, mentor, and shape the future of airborne cryptologic technicians, this is your opportunity to make an impact in a high-stakes mission environment.
AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 31, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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