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Independent Contractor Flight Instructor Jobs in California

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

... independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight ... Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based ...

WORKCARE INC

Yoga Instructor - Contract

Northridge, CA · On-site

$35/hr

This is an independent contractor engagement. The selected contractor will be responsible for ... The instructor will create a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes safe movement ...

WORKCARE INC

Yoga Instructor - Contract

Northridge, CA · On-site

$35/hr

This is an independent contractor engagement. The selected contractor will be responsible for ... The instructor will create a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes safe movement ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $149K/yr

Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more ... Certification Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (ground test complete is the ONLY ...

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Independent Contractor Flight Instructor information

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$24.7K

$93.4K

$143.6K

How much do independent contractor flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor flight instructor in California is $93,381.00, 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 are some common challenges faced by independent contractor flight instructors and how can they be managed?

Independent Contractor Flight Instructors often face challenges such as fluctuating student demand, variable scheduling, and managing their own administrative tasks like billing and record-keeping. Unlike salaried instructors, they must proactively market their services and maintain relationships with local flight schools or fixed-base operators. To manage these challenges, successful instructors often develop strong organizational skills, use scheduling and billing software, and build a network within the aviation community to ensure a steady flow of students. Establishing clear communication with clients and maintaining flexibility in scheduling also contribute to long-term success.

What is an independent contractor flight instructor?

An Independent Contractor Flight Instructor is a certified pilot who provides flight training services on a freelance or contract basis, rather than being employed directly by a flight school or aviation company. They typically work for themselves, setting their own schedules, rates, and terms of service. Independent contractors may instruct at various locations, use their own or rented aircraft, and are responsible for their own taxes and insurance. This role offers flexibility and autonomy but also requires strong business management skills and compliance with aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Flight Instructor, you need a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, strong piloting skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather systems, and logbook management software is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability help instructors tailor lessons to individual student needs and foster a safe learning environment. These skills ensure effective student instruction, regulatory compliance, and a reputation for professionalism in the aviation industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in California? For Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Flight Instructor job openings:
Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Flight Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,381 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Flight Instructor - Long Beach

FlightSafety International

Long Beach, CA

$100K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 221 rated education and training

Job description

Salary Range: $100,625.00-$171,250.00

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Education
  • No requirement.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

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