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Flight Instructor Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Covington, TN

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

Lakeland, TN

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

Memphis, TN

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

Moscow, TN

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

Piperton, TN

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

Arlington, TN

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

Williston, TN

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

Stanton, TN

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Memphis, TN

Flight Instructor information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$24.3K

$91.9K

$141.3K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Memphis, TN is $91,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $108,800.00 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 Memphis, TN? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Memphis, TN? For Flight Instructor jobs in Memphis, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Memphis, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Memphis, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,920 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Faculty - Aviation Operations Technology (Tenure-Track)

Faculty - Aviation Operations Technology (Tenure-Track)

The Tennessee Board of Regents

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.
We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!
Title: Faculty - Aviation Operations Technology (Tenure-Track)
Employee Classification: Faculty
Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College
Department: Technologies
Campus Location: SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations
Job Summary
This is a full-time, tenure track, Faculty position in the Technologies Department. The faculty member is responsible for the coordination, planning, preparation, presentation, and evaluation of classroom instruction and related activities. The faculty member must be knowledgeable and able to instruct in the following technical subject areas: aerodynamics, meteorology, aircraft systems, safety management systems, airline industry, flight operations management, human factors, and aircraft structures. The individual must be able to conduct flight training on the simulators.
The faculty member must be knowledgeable and able to instruct in the following technical subject areas: aerodynamics, meteorology, aircraft systems, safety management systems, airline industry, flight operations management, human factors, and aircraft structures. The individual must be able to conduct flight training on the simulators. The faculty member must be familiar with using a Learning Management System for conducting face-to-face and online classes. The faculty member will be responsible for the coordinating, planning, preparing, presenting, and evaluating classroom instruction and related activities, including overseeing all compliance requirements of the FAR Part 141 standards. Also, managing agreements with flight training providers with the goal of increasing student completions in the pilot program. The faculty member is responsible for performing assigned teaching duties during the day, evening, and occasionally weekends of any Southwest Tennessee Community College campus as assigned.
Job Duties
  • Prepares and delivers lectures on topics of the Aviation Operations Technology program.
  • Maintains office hours for students seeking advice on class work, assignments, papers, etc.
  • Compiles, administers, evaluates, and grades students' class work, assignments, tests, and papers; and keeps students informed about their progress by observation and informs them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement.
  • Participates in student advising on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues while utilizing all resources within the college for guidance of students.
  • Attends all faculty meetings, college assemblies, professional development and orientation activities and other meetings as called by the President, Dean or Department Chair.
  • Keeps abreast of developments in the field, providing recommendations to the department chair on program improvement and development.
  • Maintains accurate student attendance records, grades, and other required records in compliance with federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations.
  • Provides service/outreach in the college and community by serving on college, division, and departmental committees, and by participating in scholarly activities in the community.
  • Participates in recruiting/retention efforts of the college and department and in community activities.
  • May perform other duties as assigned by Department Head/Dean.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college/university
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot's certifications and endorsements to meet departmental requirements under Part 141 to include:
    • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
    • Certified Flight Instructor
    • Certified Flight Instructor (Instrument)
  • Three years documented experience in the aviation industry
  • Flight instruction and/or post-secondary teaching experience in a Part 141 or Part 61 environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field from a regionally accredited college/university
  • Certified Flight Instructor (Multi-engine)
  • Greater than 3 years documented experience in the aviation industry
  • Experience with assessment of student learning outcomes
  • Experience with distance learning and/or alternate instructional delivery systems

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below:
https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy .

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