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Flight Instructor Jobs in Virginia, MN (NOW HIRING)

Rotor Wing Pilot

Hibbing, MN ยท On-site

$53.74 - $67.11/hr

Actively shares flight knowledge with team members and serves as a resource to discuss transport, flight operations, and other work-related topics * Follows all regulations, manuals, and company ...

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Flight Instructor information

See Virginia, MN salary details

$24K

$91K

$140K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Virginia, MN is $91,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $107,700.00 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 cities near Virginia, MN are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Virginia, MN with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Virginia, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,013 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Rotor Wing Pilot

Rotor Wing Pilot

Life Link III

Hibbing, MN โ€ข On-site

$53.74 - $67.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Who Are We:
Life Link III is a premier, nationally recognized air medical transport company, known for our clinical excellence, superior aviation program and reliable response in providing care to critically ill or injured patients. Our priority is to do everything possible to give every patient their best chance for the best possible outcome - demonstrated by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients while on board safe, state-of-the-art aircraft. We continually focus on innovation and work to put cutting-edge technology and education in the hands of our flight medical crew, pilots, mechanics, operational control specialists and communication specialists so we can provide uncompromising care to the communities we serve. We do this work while living out our core values of safety, customer focus, excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
As a Rotor Wing Pilot at Life Link III, you'll be part of an elite air medical team, flying state-of-the-art aircraft to transport medical crews and patients to the care they need. You'll play a vital role in every mission, ensuring safe and professional flights while navigating complex aviation regulations and company procedures. In this position, you'll combine your expert piloting skills with a commitment to safety, teamwork, and making a real difference for patients and their families.
Your Impact:
  • Responsible for safety of passengers and crew, and oversees all flights accepted
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with flight crew, dispatch and partners
  • Actively shares flight knowledge with team members and serves as a resource to discuss transport, flight operations, and other work-related topics
  • Follows all regulations, manuals, and company policies during flights
  • Completes flight documentation accurately and promptly
  • Supervises loading of aircraft, refueling and ensures safe weight and balance
  • Adheres to proper Crew Resources Management (CRM) technique
  • Actively participates in the Life Link III Safety Management System
  • Responsible for pertinent information regarding all flights, including NOTAMs, TFRs, and weather information
  • Work cohesively as a unit to accomplish all Life Link III assignments including patient transfers
  • Responsible for maintaining qualifications as required in CFRs
  • Proactively pursues professional growth and supports the learning and development of others

Your Qualifications:
  • Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating for category and class of aircraft
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate
  • 2000 total flight hours or meets CAMTS equivalency
  • 1500 hours Helicopter flight hours
  • 1000 hours PIC in category
  • 500 hours of rotorcraft turbine time
  • 200 hours of cross country
  • 50 hours of unaided night can be accepted with a minimum of 100 hours of aided night
  • 50 hours of hood or actual time instrument time in flight in category. (Simulator time does not count.) A pilot that is dual qualified in fixed wing with 100 hours of actual instrument time can reduce this requirement to 25 hours.
  • Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in HAA operations
  • Prior Search and Rescue Experience
  • ATP Certificate
  • Bachelor's degree

What We Offer:
  • Base Pay Rate: $53.74 - $67.11 per hour, based on experience
  • Earn up to $45,000 in retention bonuses over 3 years (Hibbing base specific)
    • Year 1: $10,000
    • Year 2: $15,000
    • Year 3: $20,000
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage starting the first of the month following date of hire
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • 401k with employer match fully vested
  • Generous paid leave and paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Life, disability, critical illness, and accident insurance
  • Tuition/Training reimbursement program
  • 12-hour shifts with a 7 on 7 off schedule
  • Annual $100 boot reimbursement
  • Company use of aircraft to obtain ATP

Why Join Life Link III?
We are dedicated to making a difference. Our mission-driven culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll work alongside passionate professionals in a CAMTS accredited, award-winning program that is committed to improving patient outcomes all while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
Compliance/HIPAA:
Must perform work in the manner prescribed by documented work process in order to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, accreditation standards and laws that apply, specifically work processes that involve billing practices, for avoiding activities that constitute fraud and abuse.
Employment Status Requirements:
Life Link III does not sponsor employment visas of any kind. As a pre-condition of employment, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Life Link III is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and believe in providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our commitment to an equitable workplace extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and termination. We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and where all individuals can thrive professionally.
If you require any accommodations to apply or participate in our hiring process, please contact the Life Link III Human Resources team.