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Flight Simulator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilot

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$180 - $300/hr

... Flight simulator Operator for Mentour Pilot YouTube Channel, US Expression of Interest - Survey Pilot, Dayton, OH Flight simulator Operator for Mentour Pilot YouTube Channel, US Flight simulator ...

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Flight Simulator Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do flight simulator pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Simulator Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Simulator Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, flight operations, and typically hold a commercial or military pilot license. Familiarity with advanced flight simulator systems, scenario programming software, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and instructional skills help in effectively guiding trainees and responding to in-simulator scenarios. These skills ensure accurate simulation, effective pilot training, and adherence to safety standards in a controlled environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Simulator Pilots during training sessions?

Flight Simulator Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing simulated scenarios, managing complex cockpit systems, and maintaining clear communication with instructors and other crew members. These sessions are designed to replicate real-life emergencies and technical malfunctions, which can be both mentally and physically demanding. However, overcoming these challenges helps pilots build confidence, improve their decision-making skills, and prepare more effectively for real-world flight situations.

What are Flight Simulator Pilots?

Flight Simulator Pilots are professionals who operate advanced flight simulators to train, evaluate, or maintain the proficiency of pilots and flight crews. They may simulate a variety of flight scenarios, emergency situations, and procedures to ensure pilots are prepared for real-world flying. Flight Simulator Pilots often work for airlines, flight schools, or the military, and may also assist in developing and testing new simulator programs. Their role is crucial for improving aviation safety and pilot competence.

What is the difference between Flight Simulator Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Simulator PilotFlight Instructor
Required CredentialsPilot certifications, simulator operation trainingPilot certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentFlight simulators, training centersAircraft, flight schools, training aircraft
Employer & IndustryAirlines, training centers, militaryFlight schools, airlines, private training

While both roles involve aviation training, a Flight Simulator Pilot specializes in operating flight simulators for training and assessment, whereas a Flight Instructor teaches pilots in actual aircraft. The roles share certifications and industry environments but differ in practical versus simulated flight training.

More about Flight Simulator Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Flight Simulator Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Flight Simulator Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Simulator Pilot Instructor

Simulator Pilot Instructor

American Airlines

Fort Worth, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


American Airlines rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 355 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Intro

Are you ready to explore a world of possibilities, both at work and during your time off? Join our American Airlines family, and you’ll travel the world, grow your expertise and become the best version of you. As you embark on a new journey, you’ll tackle challenges with flexibility and grace, learning new skills and advancing your career while having the time of your life. Feel free to enrich both your personal and work life and hop on board!

Why you'll love this job

This role is for the Flight Simulator Pilot Instructor.

What you'll do

These are the essential functions of the job
This list is intended to reflect the current job but there may be additional essential functions (and non-essential job functions) that are not referenced.  Management will modify the job or require other tasks be performed when operationally necessary, observing, of course, any legal obligations including any collective bargaining obligations.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. Please contact Accommodations@aa.com should you wish to request an accommodation.
  • Conduct simulator phase of pilot flight instruction
  • Provide all training and instruction in compliance with American Airlines policies and procedures, as well as FAA requirements or other government regulations
  • Conduct training in a variety of environments to include classroom, Cockpit Procedures Trainers, Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainers (CEET)/Door Trainers, System Trainers, Flight Simulators, and other training devices as required by course curriculum
  • Distribute approved training materials (e.g., training aids, manuals, course materials) required for effective training
  • Train other instructors, as needed
  • Recommend pilots for checks
  • Evaluate and report on student performance, progress, and proficiency, including completing required records and forms
  • Fill an open seat for Captain or First Officer training, as required by the company and stated seat filling procedures
  • Assist in developing, reviewing, and/or maintaining the currency of technically accurate courseware, curriculum, distance learning content, and examinations


American Airlines General Functions
 

  • Travel to other locations to perform duties
  • Climb and descend steep and narrow passageways (e.g., to enter and egress flight simulators)
  • Perform all functions in accordance with safety procedures and policies
  • Coordinate with other employees and work groups to accomplish work tasks
  • Report to position on time, as scheduled, and at assigned station or location, including mandatory overtime requirements, varying shifts, weekends, and holidays
  • Complete job-relevant trainings
  • Adhere to government (e.g., DOT, FAA, TSA) regulations
  • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and performance standards
  • Comply with company dress code
  • Follow instructions from supervisor
  • Use relevant electronic systems to complete work
All you'll need for success

Minimum Qualifications- Education & Prior Job Experience

A candidate for selection as a Flight Simulator Pilot Instructor must possess an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and have a minimum of one year as a pilot in command or second in command of a large, turbojet fixed-wing aircraft; or possess an ATPC and have a minimum of 500 hours as pilot in command of a fixed wing single or multi-engine military aircraft. Additionally, if a candidate has accumulated one year of employment as an American Airlines Flight Training Department Instructor and possesses an ATPC, they may also be selected for SIMP training. Each candidate must also satisfy the following requirements:

  • Ability to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language.
  • Must be evaluated and accepted by an instructor selection board made up of American Airlines management pilots or their designees.
  • Prior to being considered a qualified instructor, the candidate must teach a qualification or continuing qualification simulator session observed by the Fleet Training Manager or his designee.
  • After completion of instructor training, the candidate must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Fleet Training Manager or a designated representative, a competent ability to perform all curriculum segments and associated duties of the training program currently assigned.
  • Must fulfill FAA criminal background checks to qualify for unescorted access privileges to airport security identification display areas (SIDA), if applicable.
  • Must be able to secure appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges, if applicable.
  • Must be able to perform and pass a DOT covered safety-sensitive drug test.
  • Must possess a valid US passport

Travel to the interview and any subsequent relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

What you'll get

Feel free to take advantage of all that American Airlines has to offer: 

  • Travel Perks: Ready to explore the world? You, your family and your friends can reach 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights across our global network.
  • Health Benefits: On day one, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. And that’s just the start, we also offer virtual doctor visits, flexible spending accounts and more. 
  • Wellness Programs: We want you to be the best version of yourself – that’s why our wellness programs provide you with all the right tools, resources and support you need.
  • 401(k) Program: Available upon hire and, depending on the workgroup, employer contributions to your 401(k) program are available after one year.
  • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include our Employee Assistance Program, pet insurance and discounts on hotels, cars, cruises and more
Feel free to be yourself at American

From the team members we hire to the customers we serve, inclusion and diversity are the foundation of the dynamic workforce at American Airlines. Our 20+ Employee Business Resource Groups are focused on connecting our team members to our customers, suppliers, communities and shareholders, helping team members reach their full potential and creating an inclusive work environment to meet and exceed the needs of our diverse world.
Are you ready to feel a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction as you do your part to keep the largest airline in the world running smoothly as we care for people on life’s journey? Feel free to be yourself at American.


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