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Flight Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Hermann

Life Flight Pilot

Pavilion, NY · On-site

Job Summary Position is responsible for safely and efficiently delivering a rapid response aero-medical team via Life Flight helicopters and for transporting patients to appropriate facilities for ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hilton, NY

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

Walworth, NY

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

Brockport, NY

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

Fairport, NY

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

Rochester, NY

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

Hemlock, NY

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

Batavia, NY

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

Holley, NY

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

Honeoye, NY

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

Lakeville, NY

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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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY

Flight Instructor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$24.7K

$93.4K

$143.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Rochester, NY is $93,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $110,500.00 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,358 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

FLIGHT ENGINEER (INSTRUCTOR)

Rochester, NY • On-site

US Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 494 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about US Department of the Armyexternal

$68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a FLIGHT ENGINEER (INSTRUCTOR), Position Description Number D0606000 and is part of the ARMY AVIATION SUPPORT FACILITY 2, National Guard.
This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of annuitants.

Qualifications:

Military Grades: Enlisted

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience which has provided the applicant with a knowledge of aircraft weight and balance computations; aircraft performance data; aircraft records maintenance; and aircraft systems.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Must have at least 12 months of experience as a Flight Engineer or Non-Rated Crew Member (NRCM) on cargo or utility aircraft. Flight Instructor qualification is preferred; otherwise, the candidate must be able to attend and successfully complete an approved Flight Instructor Course within one year of appointment. Must have experience performing standard aircrew duties, operating and troubleshooting essential aircraft systems in coordination with the pilot, performing pre-flight and post-flight inspections, computing weight and balance, and executing specialized mission operations such as sling (external) loads or hoist operations. Experience must include assisting in the training, familiarization, and instruction of crew members on aircraft systems, safety procedures, and flight operations. Candidates with prior experience serving as a formal flight instructor or examiner-including planning aircrew training programs, assessing training records, and administering flight evaluations-are highly preferred. Must have experience maintaining operational flight records and coordinating maintenance discrepancies with maintenance personnel.

Education:

Education requirements - Not applicable for this position

Employment Type: OTHER
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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

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10,000+ Employees

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Arlington, VA, US

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