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Flight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$100.3K

$154.3K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Portland, OR is $100,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $118,800.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

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What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,345 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Experienced First Officer Horizon Air

Alaska Airlines

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Alaska Airlines rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 26 rated airlines

Job description

Horizon Air

As a pilot for Horizon Air, you will be among the best in the regional airline industry as you fly throughout the West. To help keep you at the top of your game, we offer attractive compensation, development opportunities, a path to our mainline carrier Alaska Airlines, and a great team that's known for its skill and close-knit teamwork. 


The First Officer Experienced is responsible for ensuring a safe journey and a positive experience for all Horizon Air (QX) guests while continually maintaining a high-level of professionalism. This is a union represented position.


  • Perform as Second in Command in the transport of passengers, mail, freight, or for other commercial purposes. Responsible for all aspects and conduct of flight to include preflight of required paperwork and restrictions, conduct of safe flight, and all post flight duties.
  • Comply with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA), Company Flight Procedures, and Company Policies on scheduled flights and routes to ensure safety of flight.
  • Coordinate tasks to permit flight fueling, loading, passenger handling, etc. and associated duties to transport passengers in a safe manner in accordance with company policies and procedures, FOM, FAR's, and CRF's.
  • Pilots are team members both in the flight deck (Cockpit Resource Management), and with other operational departments.
  • Pilots are expected to present a professional image, including grooming standards and demeanor, at all times as a key representative of the company to both internal and external customers.

Required

  • 200 hours of FAA-approved Prior Qualifying Time to serve as pilot in command in part 121 operations (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)). Candidates will need to provide proof they have obtained this flight time requirement. All prior qualifying time will be verified in pilot logbooks with the System Chief Pilot and/or the Director of Operations at time of interview.
    • 200 hours as second in command at a part 121 carrier (per FAR § 121.436(a)(3)); or
    • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 91 carrier flying a multi-engine turbine-powered fixed-wing or powered-lift aircraft with an Airline transport pilot license and an applicable type rating (per FAR § 91.1053(a)(2)(i)); or
    • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a turbojet airplane with a passenger-seat configuration, excluding each crewmember seat, of 10 seats of more (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or
    • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier in passenger-carrying operations of a multiengine airplane in a commuter operation (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or
    • 200 hours as pilot in command at a part 135 carrier holding an airline transport pilot certificate and if required appropriate type rating for that airplane (per FAR § 135.243(a)(1)); or
    • 200 hours of military flight time obtained as pilot in command of a multiengine turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft in an operation requiring more than one pilot (per FAR § 121.436 (c)).
  • A minimum of 1,465 hours of total flight time or R-ATP qualified.
  • 500 hours of cross-country flight time or 200 if R-ATP or military qualified.
  • 100 hours of night flight time.
  • 250 total hours of flight time as pilot in command including 100 hours of cross-country flight time and 25 hours of night flight time.
  • 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
  • 25 hours of multi-engine flight time.
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
  • Must possess a current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate.
  • FCC permit restricted radiotelephone operator.
  • Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a TRP, to and from the U.S.
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
  • Excellent judgment, leadership skills, demonstrated command ability and maturity.
  • Must be willing to accept a base assignment in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Medford, OR; Anchorage, AK or Everett, WA based on company need.
  • Must be willing to work multiple days away from home, working a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays without restrictions.
  • Ability to communicate in English.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum age of 21 years old.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

  • 100 hours of multi-engine flight time.
  • 100 hours flown in the last 12 months.
  • Four-year degree from an accredited University.

Important notification for employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar: Employees will be required to obtain a SIDA badge provided by the airport authority and maintain good standing in order to keep their SIDA badge. Review the SIDA Badge Requirements document for a comprehensive overview. If an employee does not qualify for a SIDA badge or has their SIDA badge pulled from them, the employee will be terminated. 


Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.


Prior Part 121 Longevity Pay Credit:

We are offering a longevity match for hourly rates with no cap for pilots with prior part 121 experience. Year-for-year longevity pay is contingent upon the pilot maintaining a permanent bid preferencing all Captain positions as their highest priority bids.


  • First year pay rate: $92.72
  • Monthly pay guarantee (jet): 75 credit hours
  • Reserve pay guarantee: 73 credit hours

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.

  • This role pays per collective bargaining agreement.
  • Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
  • Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Generous 401k contribution/match program
  • Annual bonus plans
  • Generous holiday and paid time off

For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.


Exempt
Regular
10/1/2026
Portland, OR - Pilots

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement  

It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.   

We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.  

We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”).  All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.   

To implement this policy, we will: 

(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories; 
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and 
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories. 

Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions  of VEVRAA. 

Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations 
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn. 


Frontline
2026-18545

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