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Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Envoy Air Inc.

Trainer, Ramp Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

Amazing employee flight privileges within the American Airlines global network * Training and ... Instructor must be proficient in all work locations performed by fleet service clerks. * Must be ...

All JobsCfi Flight Instructor JobsFull Time Cfi Flight Instructor JobsFull Time Cfi Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$97.5K

$149.9K

How much do full time cfi flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cfi flight instructor in Chicago, IL is $97,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time CFI flight instructor?

A Full Time CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) Flight Instructor is a professional pilot who teaches students how to fly aircraft. They provide both ground and flight instruction to help students earn various pilot certificates and ratings, such as Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Instrument Rating. Working full time means the instructor dedicates the majority of their working hours to training students, conducting checkrides, and ensuring safety compliance. CFIs play a crucial role in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence of aspiring pilots. Their responsibilities also include maintaining accurate training records and adhering to FAA regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time CFI flight instructor?

To thrive as a Full Time CFI Flight Instructor, you need a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, solid aeronautical knowledge, instructional ability, and a strong safety record. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather analysis tools, and logbook management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching diverse students and managing risk. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure student progress, regulatory compliance, and the highest safety standards in flight training.

What are some common challenges full time CFI flight instructors face when balancing student needs and flight safety requirements?

Full Time CFI Flight Instructors often encounter the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to accommodate students' varying skill levels while maintaining strict adherence to flight safety protocols. Balancing the progression of each student's learning with the need to ensure all regulatory and safety procedures are followed can require strong communication and judgment skills. Additionally, instructors must manage their schedules to optimize flight time, weather conditions, and aircraft availability, making flexibility and time management essential. Collaboration with other instructors and flight school staff is also key to providing consistent training experiences and ensuring safety standards are met across the board.

What is the difference between Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor vs Part Time Cfi Flight Instructor?

AspectFull Time Cfi Flight InstructorPart Time Cfi Flight Instructor
CertificationsRequired CFI certificate, possibly additional ratingsSame certifications as full time
Work EnvironmentFull schedule, consistent hours at flight schools or training centersFlexible hours, often evenings or weekends
Employer & Industry UsageTypically employed full time by flight schools or academiesOften independent or part-time instructors supplement income

Full Time Cfi Flight Instructors work regular hours, often as their primary job, with full employment benefits. Part Time Cfi Flight Instructors usually work flexible hours, often alongside other jobs or studies. Both roles require the same certifications and operate within the same industry environment, but differ mainly in hours and employment status.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,472 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Aircraft Maintenance Instructor (A&P Mechanic)

Chicago, IL

Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Aviation Institute of Maintenanceexternal

$41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Teach aircraft maintenance systems, procedures, and techniques in a hands-on environment

  • Deliver FAA-aligned curriculum to prepare students for A&P certification

  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress

Job description

Campus Location: 3711 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609 
Compensation: Up to $41 per hour 
Employment: Full Time

Veterans of military aviation: bring your experience to the classroom. 

Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is hiring Aircraft Maintenance Instructors to train the next generation of FAA-certified mechanics in our Part 147 program. Whether you spent your career on a flight line, in a hangar, or supporting heavy maintenance operations, you've built skills that are irreplaceable - and we provide a structured 5-day paid instructor training program to help you successfully transition into the classroom. 

AIM has trained thousands of aviation maintenance technicians, including many transitioning service members. As an instructor here, you'll work alongside fellow veterans and former civilian mechanics, teaching students who often include current service members and recent veterans using their GI Bill benefits. 

No teaching experience required. Our 5-day paid instructor training program is designed to help technical professionals - including those coming out of military aviation roles - successfully move into instructional work. 

Why Veterans Make Exceptional Aviation Instructors 

Military aviation maintenance demands precision, discipline, and the ability to teach others under pressure. Those are the same qualities that define the best A&P instructors. In this role, you'll: 

  • Translate hands-on aircraft maintenance experience - military or civilian - into classroom instruction
  • Mentor students preparing for careers as Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs)
  • Work in a structured, mission-driven environment with clear standards and expectations
  • Continue building expertise while shaping the next generation of FAA-certified mechanics 

About the Role 

As an Aircraft Maintenance Instructor (A&P Mechanic Instructor), you'll deliver FAA Part 147-aligned aviation maintenance curriculum and provide hands-on instruction in classroom and active hangar environments. This role is well-suited to military-trained aviation maintainers with civilian A&P certification who want a stable, mission-oriented next chapter. 

Schedule Options: 4 or 5 days per week depending on campus needs and candidate preference. 

  • Option 1 (Daytime): Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Friday: Off
  • Option 2 (Evening): Monday-Thursday, 1:30 PM - 11:30 PM | Friday: Off 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Teach aircraft maintenance systems, procedures, and techniques in a hands-on environment
  • Deliver FAA-aligned curriculum to prepare students for A&P certification
  • Demonstrate practical skills used by A&P mechanics and aviation technicians
  • Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress
  • Support curriculum updates and collaborate with program leadership
  • Help create a structured, engaging, and safety-focused learning environment
  • Maintain classroom, lab equipment, and training materials  

Qualifications 

Education 

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Associate degree in aviation or related field preferred  

Experience 

  • Minimum 3 years of aircraft maintenance experience  
  • Background as an A&P Mechanic, Aircraft Mechanic, or Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)  

Licensure 

  • FAA Airframe AND/OR Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate required  

Skills 

  • Strong knowledge of aircraft systems and aviation maintenance procedures
  • Interest in mentoring, coaching, and developing others
  • Ability to work in a structured, compliance-driven training environment
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)
  • Flexibility to support evening or weekend schedules as needed  

What We Offer 

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package that supports your personal and professional well-being. Full-time employees are eligible for: 

  • 401(k) with company match 
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance available first day of employment
  • Life insurance options 
  • Paid parental leave 
  • Paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance 
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support 

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values integrity, growth, and student success. 

Apply today to join the team at Aviation Institute of Maintenance and help train the next generation of A&P mechanics. 

Apply