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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Current or previously qualified MQ-9A instructor pilot. Compensation Details: $78.11 The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the ...

As an Instructor Pilot and/or Check Pilot accountable for evaluating pilot flight performance, accurate and timely documentation and ongoing training program assessment and quality improvement. * As ...

Current or previously qualified MQ-9A instructor pilot. Compensation Details: $78.11 The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the ...

Current or previously qualified MQ-9A instructor pilot. Compensation Details: $78.11 The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the ...

Be Seen First

UAS Operator / Pilot

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing ... Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor. * Experience ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible ...

Showing results 21-40

Instructor Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$36.8K

$96K

$159.8K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Arizona is $96,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pilot instructor do?

Pilot Instructors teach students how to fly so that they can obtain their pilot’s licenses. This position takes patience, precision, a sense of detail, and cool thinking under pressure. You will teach your student each and every step involved in flight. This often begins with classroom instruction and may later involve such actions as filing a flight plan, completing a pre-flight checklist, radio communication with ground personnel, and all details of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Eventually, you will guide your students through test flights. You will then file reports to your leadership on the progress of your students and help decide who is qualified to obtain their pilot’s licenses.

What is an instructor pilot?

Instructor Pilots are highly trained and experienced pilots who are responsible for teaching student pilots how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to aviation regulations. Instructor Pilots may work in flight schools, military settings, or commercial training programs, and are essential for developing the next generation of competent aviators. Their role includes demonstrating maneuvers, providing feedback, and preparing students for exams and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructor pilot?

To thrive as an Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft-specific avionics, and training management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring student pilots. These skills ensure safe flight operations, effective knowledge transfer, and the development of competent new pilots.

What are some common challenges instructor pilots face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying learning speeds among students, managing cockpit safety during training flights, and providing constructive feedback under pressure. To address these, it's important to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs, maintain clear communication and situational awareness at all times, and foster a supportive learning environment. Regular collaboration with other instructors and ongoing professional development also help Instructor Pilots stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

What is the difference between Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectInstructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often requiredCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) required
Work EnvironmentMilitary, corporate, or government aircraft trainingFlight schools, general aviation
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agenciesFlight training schools, private aviation

Instructor Pilot and Flight Instructor both require CFI certification, but Instructor Pilots often operate in military or corporate settings, focusing on advanced training. Flight Instructors typically work in civilian flight schools, training new pilots. While their roles overlap in training and certification, Instructor Pilots usually handle more complex aircraft and scenarios, whereas Flight Instructors focus on foundational pilot training.

More about Instructor Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Instructor Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Instructor Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,020 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Advanced Instructor USA - Upset Recovery Training

Aviation Performance Solutions

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$54K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Title Advanced Instructor USA - Upset Recovery Training Categories APS ,Instructor Pilots


We Help Pilots Bring Everyone Home Safely


If you are reading this, you may be the type of pilot we are looking for. If you have what it takes, we offer unique flying opportunities instructing in a high-performance piston and jet aircraft, and advanced simulators in all-attitude, all-envelope maneuvering flight. Sound fun? It will be, and it will also be challenging. At APS, you know you are making a difference every day and literally saving lives.


Your skills are needed as an Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) Instructor Pilot flying the Extra 300L world-class unlimited category aerobatic airplane with options to advance to the S211 SIAI-Marchetti high-altitude, all-attitude sweptwing jet trainer. You will be delivering the world's most advanced UPRT curriculum both on the ground and in the air to owner/operator, corporate, business, executive, government, military, and commercial pilots. All APS instructors are also qualified to teach APS UPRT programs in advanced simulators after approximately one year of seasoning as in-airplane Extra 300L UPRT instructors.


Job Information


Salary and benefits are competitive. Minimal travel and a fixed schedule support a stable quality of life that's often rare for highly accomplished professional pilots.


Put your full range of flying skills to use.


Required Expertise


  • 1500 hours of total flight time
  • Substantial all-attitude, all-envelope flight experience (500+ flight hours preferred). Examples: military flight instructor, tactical or fighter experience, aerobatics (competition/airshow), test pilot school graduate with spin testing experience.
  • FAA Commercial Single-Engine Land (SEL) Pilot's License
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor Rating (CFI)


Experience Advantages in the Selection Process


  • Two years commercial and/or military experience flying crewed multi-engine turboprop and/or turbofan/turbojet is preferred.
  • Two years of experience as a CFI and/or military flight instructor (200+ hours preferred)
    Important Note: Although valuable, this does NOT need to be instructional experience teaching all-attitude maneuvering or aerobatics.
  • 2000+ hour total flight time
  • One or more type-ratings


Daily duties:


Deliver world-class UPRT ground and flight instruction in the high-performance, aerobatic capable airplanes. Flight profiles primarily include upset recovery and stall/spin training, with associated all-attitude aerobatic instruction. Flight operations are based in Mesa, Arizona (KIWA).


If this position is not a fit for you, but you know someone else who is qualified and would enjoy this unique flying opportunity, please pass this information along. They will thank you for it!


All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.