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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms. * Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II ...

KC-130 Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms.* Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II ...

Chief Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. * Hold a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI). * Hold the appropriate category and class ratings for the ...

Chief Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. * Hold a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI). * Hold the appropriate category and class ratings for the ...

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Instructor Pilot information

See Missouri salary details

$37.1K

$96.7K

$160.9K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Missouri is $96,650.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $118,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Instructor Pilot jobs in Missouri?

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

Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,650 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

B-2 Lead Operational Test Pilot

The Air Force Civilian Service

Knob Noster, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Step into the cockpit where innovation becomes combat power-and where the next chapter of global strike is written by you as a member of the Air Force Civilian Service.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking for full-time civilian B-2 Lead Operational Test Pilot, GS-2181-14 with the 72d Test and Evaluation (72 TES), Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, MO.
Salary Range: $145,000 - 188,000
NO 180-DAY WAIVER!
Recruitment and Relocation incentives may be available.
Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
In this role, you will serve as a B-2 Operational Test Pilot in the 72 TES, you don't just fly the playbook-you write it. In this role, you are a combat-focused innovator at the intersection of advanced technology and real-world execution. Operating at the apex of global strike, you will fly live-fly campaigns to validate next-gen weapons, revolutionary software, and Open Mission Systems. You'll collaborate with engineers and data scientists to evaluate combat effectiveness against peer threats, shape program-office designs, and author the Tactics.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs are mandatory):
1750 Total Flight Hours
1150 Pilot-In-Command Hours
75 Night Flying Hours
75 Flight Hours of Instrument Time (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
500 Instructor Hours
100 Hours Flying Time Last 12 Months
Mandatory documents:
Flight Logs
FAA Certifications (front/back)
DD 214 (Member 4) or In Lieu of DD 214 Letter
FAA medical Cert Class II or better
Qualifications:
Must be a US Civilian
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance
This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position
Rated officer experience is critical to the success of the mission
Mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management; systems and operating procedures, advanced instrument techniques, aerobatic maneuvers, close and tactical formation flying, high-speed flight, aerial refueling, and range missions with ordnance, as well as knowledge of high-performance bomber aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
Knowledge of a wide range of advanced multi-disciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, equipment, and of system engineering and efforts required to achieve and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items.
Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structure, and operation of the DoD and organizations that govern, interface with, and/or influence systems acquisition, development, test, and/or sustainment; and knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting cycles, financial systems, and restrictions on expenditure of funds.
Knowledge of and skill in evaluating state-of-the-art and advancements in theory, application, technology, and policy affecting systems being developed, and in planning, organizing, and directing the functions and staff in critical aspects of development, production, sustainment, test, and/or support of systems, sub-systems, or equipment.
Medical Examination/Physical: This position requires a physical/medical examination. The physical requirement of this position as determined by the manager is: Passing the evaluation results of the aviation class 2 physical.
Must possess and be able to maintain a FAA Medical Certificate Second Class or better.
Employee is required to meet and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill levels in the application of rated aviator expertise and an Instructor Pilot IP and/or Evaluator Pilot.
Desired Experience: Current or former B-2 instructor pilot. Completion of a military Test Pilot School (TPS) or Weapons School is highly advantageous
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional supporting documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer.

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