ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instructor Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

US Department of the Air Force

CA

$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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

CA

$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 ...

Kern County

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter ... FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Airplane-Multi Engine Land (AMEL) rating. Airplane ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$97K - $167K/yr

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

FAA certified flight instructor * Leadership positions in a flight test organization * C-208 experience * Experience in highly automated aircraft * Experience as an operator/pilot of UAS system(s ...

AVIATORS INC

Chief Flight Instructor

Reseda, CA · On-site

Leverage our partnership to facilitate seamless transitions for aspiring commercial pilots ... Manage instructor scheduling and aircraft availability to maximize training efficiency and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 3, 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 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.

How do you become a pilot instructor?

To become a pilot instructor, you must first obtain a private pilot license and then accumulate additional flight hours to qualify for an instructor certification, such as the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. After earning the CFI, you can teach student pilots and gain experience, often requiring passing written and practical exams administered by aviation authorities.

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 are Instructor Pilots?

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.

How much do flying instructors get paid?

Flying instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school. Pay may also include hourly rates for flight hours and additional benefits such as training and certification support.

How much can you make as a pilot instructor?

Pilot instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school or airline. Experienced instructors with advanced certifications and additional flight hours can earn higher salaries, especially if they work for major airlines or specialized training programs.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically in higher demand, especially in regions with expanding flight schools or increased pilot certification requirements.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,689 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Test Pilot

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
Responsibilities:
  • Plan and execute taxi and flight operations for the Quarterhorse series of demonstrator aircraft 
  • Oversee Quarterhorse's transition from remotely piloted system to a fully autonomous system to meet program objectives.
  • Maintain subject matter expertise on Quarterhorse demonstrator aircraft series 
  • Plan and develop ground and flight test procedures, run cards, and reports 
  • Work with Hermeus engineering staff and technical editors to deliver flight manuals and other relevant technical documentation 
Minimum Requirements:
  • Federal Aviation Administration transport pilot rating or military equivalent 
  • Military or civilian flight test experience, or test pilot school graduate 
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Instructor pilot experience 
  • Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements 
  • Strong background in aircraft performance calculations; familiarity with aircraft stability and control systems 
  • Experience writing test plans and test procedures 
  • Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred)
  • Ability to communicate clearly and accurately with a wide range of people
  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
  • Ability to learn, lead others, and help others learn while maintaining productivity
Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel on short notice to support test campaigns. 5-10% baseline and up to 50% during flight test campaigns.
$135,000 - $250,000 a year
The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.
 
Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!
 
100% employer-paid health care
401k & Retirement Plans
Unlimited PTO
Weekly Paid Office Lunches
End of Year Bonuses
Fully stocked breakrooms
Stock Options  
Paid Parental Leave

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits:
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
 
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply