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Instructor Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C-17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train ...

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

Hermeus

Test Pilot (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

Medium

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135 - $250/hr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

Medium

Test Pilot (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems

US Department of the Air Force

CA · On-site

$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 ...

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All JobsInstructor Pilot JobsInstructor Pilot Jobs in California

Instructor Pilot information

See California salary details

$39K

$101.7K

$169.3K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in California is $101,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 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 California?

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

What are popular job titles related to Instructor Pilot jobs in California?

For Instructor Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instructor Pilot jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instructor Pilot jobs in California are:

Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,689 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

FlightSafety International

CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 223 rated education and training

Job description

Salary Range: $0-$1,099,998.00
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 Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C-17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.
Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct all Initial, Upgrade, Requalification, and Refresher training using devices, such as a classroom, Pilot Part Task Trainer (PTTP), Boom Operator Part Task Trainer (PTTB), Boom Operator Trainer (BOT), Fuselage Trainer (FuT), WST, and KC-46 aircraft.
  • Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Conduct Initial and Recurring training for Maintenance Personnel attending Engine Run courses.
  • Conduct briefings, debriefings, and perform counseling with Aircrew Members and Maintenance Personnel to develop and maintain the highest level of student technical acumen and proficiency.
  • Extract student data, analyze results, and prepare for student review sessions.
  • Serve as KC-46 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students and other applicable personnel, as required.
  • Maintain exceptional standards of instruction, knowledge levels, capabilities, and expertise.
  • Develop and maintain exceptional knowledge of KC-46 aircraft systems and operating procedures.
  • Consistently display exceptional knowledge and application of instructional principles and theories pertaining to aircrew training systems.
  • Provide inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, along with updates to training policies and procedures.
  • Operate Student Management System.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum Experience
  • Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.
  • Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics.
  • Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel. The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud. The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor.
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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