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Independent Contractor Flight Instructor Jobs in California

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

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 ...

T3i, Inc.

NSW SERE Instructor

Imperial Beach, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Position: SERE Instructor Location: San Diego, CA Project: NSW SERE/PR Survival, Evasion ... part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i ...

Chess

Workforce Development Instructor

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Continuing Education Position Summary The Workforce Development Instructor is responsible for ... Contractor Status: For short-term courses, the employee will be classified as an independent ...

DRG

F-35 CONTRACT INSTRUCTOR PILOT

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

A Minimum of 750 hours Flight Time in USAF/USN/USMC Strike Fighter aircraft (e.g., F-15E, F-18/D/F ... Experience with F-35 program highly desired This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the ...

Premier Aquatics

CPR Instructor

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Compensation $25.00 - $30.00/hour Independent Contractor / 1099 Summary Premier Aquatics is currently hiring CPR Instructors in Orange County! We are looking for reliable individuals who can ...

VFit Group

Pilates Instructor

Duarte, CA · On-site

$20 - $60/hr

Certified Pilates Instructor - Club Pilates Monrovia Are you passionate about Pilates and excited ... Employee status (not independent contractor). * Growth potential within a supportive, fun, and ...

Club Pilates

Instructor

Temecula, CA · On-site

Its over 500 instructors provide a current annual rate of over 7 million workouts to tens of ... independent contractor), room for growth and a supportive & fun environment! REQUIREMENTS:

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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.

Are independent contractor flight instructor jobs in demand?

Independent contractor flight instructor jobs are generally in steady demand due to ongoing needs for pilot training and certification. The demand can vary based on regional aviation activity, pilot certification requirements, and the availability of flight schools, with opportunities often linked to seasonal and economic factors. Strong communication skills and relevant certifications, such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), enhance employability in this field.

How much does an independent contractor flight instructor make?

Independent contractor flight instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the flight school. Their income can vary based on the number of students, flight hours, and additional certifications they hold.

Is a flight instructor a good career path?

A flight instructor is a professional who trains pilots and helps them obtain certifications, often working in flight schools or for airlines. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about aviation and teaching, but it typically requires specific certifications such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and involves variable schedules and income levels. The career offers opportunities for experience and advancement within 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 Test Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,770 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril plays a crucial role in our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, software validation testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Altius UAS platform. Altius is a Group 2/3 autonomous vehicle specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well as Altius's integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations.
What you'll do
  • As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).
  • Test duties include:
  • Support and plan test events conducted at test sites as required by the specific test.
  • Configuration management of test owned assets. This includes specific to test configuration management (hardware components, specific payloads, software/firmware configuration) as well as fleet management (facilitate and track required maintenance, planning/assigning asset requirements for current testing and future efforts).
  • Generation of evaluation test plans and reports focusing on system functionality and suitability of software and hardware integration efforts. In addition to technical test planning, planning includes safety (risk, hazards, develop mitigations) and logistical (available hardware, airspace, personnel resources, timeline/scheduling).
  • Generate and execute test cards, conduct pre and post flight briefings, and manage test events with diverse support teams (pilots, engineering subject matter experts (SME), operations). Testing execution will include operating Altius when conducting system evaluation testing.
  • Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
  • Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
  • Collect metrics for flight test events to include sortie information and delays.

Required Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Must play in active role in strengthening communication channels both within the team and externally (engineering, program leadership, operations).
  • Methodical, thorough, and detail oriented.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and concepts.
  • Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification.
  • Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 61: Certification Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (ground test complete is the ONLY requirement).
  • Previous experience or working knowledge of National Airspace and UAS operating guidelines and regulations.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to travel as required for planning and testing.
  • In this role, you will be subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux based operating systems, networking, ssh, and command line.
  • 1-3 years flight test engineering or system level testing experience.
  • Knowledge and experience with Group 2/3 fixed wing systems
  • Experience working DOD programs.

US Salary Range
$112,000-$149,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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