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Flight Instructor Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Flight Safety Officer

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

West Lafayette Job Summary The Flight Safety Officer promotes and safeguards a strong safety culture across the organization while maintaining active flight instructor status. The role serves as the ...

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PHI Health

Flight Nurse

West Lafayette, IN

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

PHI Health

Flight Nurse

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

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

PHI Health

Flight Paramedic

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

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

Phi Health, LP

Flight Nurse

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

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

PHI Health

Flight Paramedic

West Lafayette, IN

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

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Dayton, IN

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lafayette, IN

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Linden, IN

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Reynolds, IN

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

U.S. Navy

Cook

Lafayette, IN

$15.50 - $19.25/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 ...

US Navy

Culinary Specialist

Reynolds, IN

$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 ...

U.S. Navy

Culinary Specialist

Lafayette, IN

$33K - $45K/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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Flight Instructor information

See Lafayette, IN salary details

$24.1K

$91K

$140K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Lafayette, IN is $91,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $107,800.00 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.
More about Flight Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Lafayette, IN? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Lafayette, IN are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Lafayette, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Lafayette, IN are:
What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Lafayette, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,037 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Flight Safety Officer

Flight Safety Officer

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Flight Safety Officer
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Flight Safety Officer promotes and safeguards a strong safety culture across the organization while maintaining active flight instructor status. The role serves as the central resource for identifying and managing risk, supporting safe day-to-day operations, and ensuring safety concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. As both a champion of proactive safety practices and a key participant in operational and emergency responses, the Flight Safety Officer helps ensure that all flight activities are conducted to the highest safety standards.
About Us:
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we've been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.
This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. You'll collaborate with top talent across departments while helping protect Purdue's research integrity. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program.
At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together.
Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
What We Are Looking For :
Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:
  • Bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field
  • A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience
  • Certified Flight Instructor
  • An equivalent combination of required education and work experience may be considered. For example, an associate's degree and 4-5 years of experience or High School Diploma/GED and 6-7 years of related experience

Skills needed :
  • Communication, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Organizational Management, Decision-Making, Interpersonal Skills

What We Would Like You to Know :
All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue
Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 2
Pay Band S060
Job Code#20002026
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
The anticipated annual salary for this position is $55,000- $65,000 commensurate with the candidate's education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
EOE:
Purdue University is an EOE employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

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