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Flight Simulator Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do flight simulator pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 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.

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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulator Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulator Pilot jobs are:
Flight Simulator Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
F-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot (Supervisory)

F-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot (Supervisory)

The Air Force Civilian Service

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Turn Your Operational Experience into Mission Shaping Impact-Guide the Next Wave of Combat Pilots to Strengthen America's Air Dominance!
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking for full-time civilian F-22 Simulator Pilot Instructor (Supervisory), GS-2181-14 located at the 1st Training Support Squadron, Hampton, Langley AFB, VA.
Recruitment and Relocation Incentives available based on eligibility.
NO 180-DAY WAIVER REQUIRED
Salary Range: $127,646 - $165,945
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
In this role, you will serve as a first level supervisor planning, directing, organizing, and exercising control over nonsupervisory instructors assigned. Employee also serves as a fighter aircraft simulator and academic instructor for students enrolled in fifth generation fighter aircraft graduate flying training programs. Develops goals, monitors and evaluates training program success, and provides technical expertise to program changes.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs are mandatory):
1500 Total Flight Hours
250 Pilot-In-Command Hours
75 Night Flying Hours
75 flight hours of Instrument Time (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
500 Instructor Time Flight Hours (Fixed Wing)
NOTE: position requires prior fighter aviation instructor experience
Mandatory documents:
Flight Logs
FAA Certifications, following will be accepted:
Fixed wing with Instrument rating
Certificated flight instructor
Military instructor pilot rating
DD 214 (Member 4)
Qualifications:
Must be a US Civilian
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position
MUST have fighter aviation experience to be considered.
Previous experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, etc), airborne radar experience, and/or graduation from USAF Weapons School, USN Weapons School (Top Gun), or experience as a USAF Aggressor is highly desired and be knowledgeable in RADAR, AIM-120, and AIM-9 systems.
Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, aerial refueling, aggressor and defensive combat, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of 4th and/or 5th generation fighter aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
Knowledge of the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, requirements of fighter pilot training, and the pilot training syllabus.
Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives and to demonstrate flying procedures and maneuvers. Ability to teach multiple academic courses while using computer based teaching aides.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.

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