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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZLC Remote Pilot Operator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

All JobsInstructor Pilot JobsInstructor Pilot Jobs in Utah

Instructor Pilot information

See Utah salary details

$36K

$93.8K

$156.1K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Utah is $93,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,200.00 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
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Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,803 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
MQ-9 UAS Pilot III (Philippines/Deployable)

MQ-9 UAS Pilot III (Philippines/Deployable)

Amentum

Manila, UT • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

The UAS Pilot III will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Participate in all phases of flight to include planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
  • Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Provide expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft.
  • Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
  • Plans and performs a wide range of operations with in-process analog, digital, microwave, optical and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
  • Provide technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS. This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
  • Provide technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing the risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground any more than the integration of comparable new and novel technologies.
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have an active Secret US Government clearance with ability to obtain Top-Secret. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • BA/BS from an accredited college or university in one of the following disciplines: engineering, business, logistics, management, math, sciences, and professional aeronautics with 5 plus years in the performance and execution of US military requirements
  • Within the last 10 years, at least one year of management experience shall be in technical program/project work related to U.S. Naval U.S. Naval / U.S. Air Force UAS flight operations.
  • Qualified MQ-9A Pilot or previously qualified MQ-9A Pilot (Form 8 within last 3 years)
  • Qualified MQ-9A Line of Sight Launch and Recovery (LOS L/R) Pilot or previously qualified MQ-9A LOS L/R Pilot (Form 8 within last 3 years)
  • Must have at least 200 hours as MQ-9A Pilot-In-Command (PIC)
  • Must possess current FAA Class I or Class II Medical Certificate or DOD equivalent.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
  • The ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • The ability to work as a team to accomplish mission requirements.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a DOD clearance.
  • Must be able to travel on CONUS/OCONUS deployments.
  • Must meet all OCONUS deployment criteria, to include pre-deployment medical screening, as a condition of employment.
  • For OCONUS deployments, must have valid U.S. Passport with a minimum of two years remaining with at least two facing pairs (four total) of blank Visa pages.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Top-Secret clearance.
  • Current or previously qualified MQ-9A instructor pilot.
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