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Flight Instructor Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Prosperity, SC

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Sumter, SC

$29K - $40K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

West Columbia, SC

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Lexington, SC

$30K - $40K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Gaston, SC

$15.25 - $19/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Columbia, SC

$32K - $43K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Swansea, SC

$31K - $42K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Elgin, SC

$31K - $42K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Columbia, SC

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

West Columbia, SC

$32K - $43K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$23.1K

$87.5K

$134.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Columbia, SC is $87,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $103,600.00 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 Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC? For Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,536 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Simulator Console Operator Shaw AFB (Contingent Upon Award)

Simulator Console Operator Shaw AFB (Contingent Upon Award)

B3H Corporation

Shaw Air Force Base, SC โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

B3H Corporation is seeking qualified Simulator Console Operators to support the 25th Attack Group at Shaw AFB.  This position is contingent upon award fall 2025

B3H is a leader in building winning DoD and corporate teams. B3H provides the full spectrum of strategic planning, program management, acquisitions management, systems engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and instructional system design for the DoD. B3H delivers quality performance with complete government visibility and control. Corporate headquarters are in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Responsibilities
  • Provide real-time MQ-9 Simulator (including Desktop Trainer [DTT] and Distributed Mission Operations [DMO], if applicable) mission support to on-going simulator missions, including Emergency Procedures, Launch and Recovery, Mission Control Element, Weapons School Spin-up, CT, regular syllabus missions, and VIP and/or guest demonstrations.
  • Responsible for loading the appropriately scheduled missions ahead of the arrival of the instructor and student crew scheduled for the simulator, DMO or DTT, as applicable.
  • Maintain an immediate presence during the conduct of the mission to provide real-time tactical adjustments as directed by the instructor or CT crew.
  • Provide troubleshooting assistance for maintenance or programming issues that may occur with the simulator, DMO or DTT.
  • Maintain the time-use log for the MQ-9 Simulator and maintain a daily log of simulator discrepancies for coordination with MQ-9 Simulator manufacturerโ€™s representatives on site.
  • When MQ-9 Simulators are not fully in use, SCOs will work with Weapons (DOW), Training (DOT), and Current Ops to refine training event dance cards, Zeus, CAVOK (or follow-on tactical situation display [TACSIT]) profiles, and program MQ-9 Simulator training event profiles via the MQ-9 Simulator and Modern Air Combat
  • Environment (MACE) or follow-on software.
  • Coordinate with instructor aircrew prior to scheduled MQ-9 Simulator DMO or DTT training events to identify any required voice or mIRC injects for the scenario. As relayed by the Instructor, the SCO may then be required to provide white cell support as one or more of the other players listed in the dance card during the execution of the training event. These roles may include outside agencies, other aircraft, enemy forces, ground forces, or others as deemed necessary by the script or Instructor.
  • Support mission debrief by providing event feedback to instructors, students, and other crew members as required.
  • Make real-time adjustments to the tactical scenario based on crew actions.Link MQ-9 Simulators together for multi-ship operations.
  • MQ-9 SCOs will also operate MQ-9 Simulators on a non-instructional basis to support CT requirements or instruction provided by another instructor. In this capacity they will provide real-time adjustments based on IP or crew inputs to satisfy mission objectives and replicate external agencies as requested by the IP or crew to create a realistic training environment. Examples include support to continuation training, safety investigation boards, accident investigation boards, Air Force test programs, and distinguished visitors or other guests.
Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with flight training simulators. Candidates must possess at least one (1) of the following:One (1) year of MQ-1 or MQ-9 simulator (PMATS) experience; or Two (2) years of experience executing military flight simulator training; or Two (2) years of Close Air Support (CAS) operational experience as a qualified aircrew member, intel support, or JTAC (Joint Terminal Air Controller).Ideal candidates will have MQ-1/9 experience.
  • Current DoD Security Clearance

B3H Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status


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About B3h

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Shalimar, FL, US

Year founded

1990