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Flight Instructor Jobs in California, MO (NOW HIRING)

Textron

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

California, MO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification * NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor * FAA CFI(I) Certificate * Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry * FAA Authorized Experimental ...

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U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Stover, MO

$15.75 - $20/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Russellville, MO

$15.75 - $20/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Tipton, MO

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Versailles, MO

$15.75 - $20/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Eldon, MO

$16.50 - $21/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Jefferson City, MO

$16.50 - $21/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

Boonville, MO

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

U.S. Navy

Military Security Officer

California, MO

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in California, MO

Flight Instructor information

See California, MO salary details

$22.4K

$84.7K

$130.2K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in California, MO is $84,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $100,200.00 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, MO are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in California, MO as of August 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 $84,680 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Flight Instructor CMH

Columbia, MO • On-site

FlightSafety International
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about FlightSafety Internationalexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Salary Range: [[salaryMin]] - [[salaryMax]]

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Education
  • No requirement.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

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