ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Instructor Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

KBR

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to ... instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS. * This ...

AVIAN LLC

MQ-9 Reaper Air Vehicle Pilot

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Define, plan, organize, and execute flight plans and schedules. Review maintenance logs, weather reports, and forecasts. * Use Technical Orders, other documents, and reports to ascertain factors ...

AVIAN LLC

MQ-9 Reaper Air Vehicle Pilot

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Define, plan, organize, and execute flight plans and schedules. Review maintenance logs, weather reports, and forecasts. * Use Technical Orders, other documents, and reports to ascertain factors ...

AVIAN LLC

MQ-9 Reaper Air Vehicle Pilot

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Define, plan, organize, and execute flight plans and schedules. Review maintenance logs, weather reports, and forecasts. * Use Technical Orders, other documents, and reports to ascertain factors ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in California, MD

Flight Instructor information

See California, MD salary details

$24K

$90.7K

$139.4K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in California, MD is $90,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $107,300.00 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

What cities near California, MD are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in California, MD as of August 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 $90,673 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Sr Principal Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Pilot - Unmanned Air Vehicleto join the team of qualified individuals. Position is located in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
This is a work onsite position, located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD with occasional travel to support Production operations in Palmdale, CA.
Help shape the future of unmanned maritime ISR as the Sr. Principal Pilot (AVO) on the MQ-4C Triton Integrated Test Team (ITT) at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. From NAS Patuxent River, you will lead developmental and operational flight efforts that validate Triton performance and directly support mission readiness and national security. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment with diverse test assignments and high expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Remotely pilot Triton UAV to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers
  • Define, plan, organize and execute complex flight profiles and flight test events in support of program milestones
  • Conduct briefings and debriefings, and coordinate with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies
  • Act as NATOPS Instructor or Examiner as required
  • Must successfully complete company UAV operator training and qualification program and receive GFR certification

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science AND 8 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience.
  • Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating and a minimum of 500 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft
  • Must have at least 250 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4.
  • Current Class II or higher FAA medical certificate
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.
  • Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Aviation or Aerospace
  • Test Pilot School graduate
  • P-3 or P-8 Military Flight Experience
  • Qualified Global Hawk or Triton UAS Pilot
  • 200 hours of PC/PIC time during engineering flight test, and 10 hours during experimental flight test.
  • 1,000 flight hours as pilot-in-command of a manned aircraft
  • 700 hours PC/PIC time in UAV/UAS (not in SUAS) or 150 hours in MQ-4.

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply