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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Gritter Francona

Jr. Trainer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Incorporate stakeholder feedback and pilot lessons learned into training materials. * Support development of training materials that can be adapted for future national implementation. Instructor-Led ...

New

Gritter Francona

Jr. Trainer

Washington, DC · On-site

Incorporate stakeholder feedback and pilot lessons learned into training materials. * Support development of training materials that can be adapted for future national implementation. Instructor-Led ...

New

SAIC

ZDC Air Traffic Control Instructor-II

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO), and may ... The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and ...

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All JobsInstructor Pilot JobsInstructor Pilot Jobs in Washington

Instructor Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$116.7K

$194.2K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Washington is $116,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $143,300.00 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.

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.

Are flight instructors in high demand?

Flight instructors are generally in steady demand, especially as new pilots seek certification and experience. The job market can vary based on regional aviation activity, pilot training programs, and industry growth, with opportunities often linked to flight school enrollment and airline hiring trends.

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.

How much do instructor pilots get paid?

Instructor pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of aircraft they instruct on. Salaries can vary based on whether they work for military, commercial, or flight training organizations, and often include benefits such as flight hours and certifications.

How do I become an instructor pilot?

To become an instructor pilot, you typically need to hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, accumulate a specified number of flight hours, and obtain an instructor certification from the relevant aviation authority. Additional training in teaching techniques and safety procedures is also required before you can instruct other 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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Instructor Pilot jobs in Washington look for?

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What cities in Washington are hiring for Instructor Pilot jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Instructor Pilot job openings:

Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,701 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex
flight programs and flight test events. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating.
Pilot will work in greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically/as scheduled as part of their job responsibilities. All initial position training will be conducted at our Chantilly, VA facility (4-6 months).
Basic Qualifications:
  • 12 years of experience OR a Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's Degree and 6 years of experience
  • Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Must be willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.
  • Must have an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
  • Must have a minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane, helicopter, powered lift)
  • Must be able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.
  • Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
  • Previous simulator instructor experience
  • Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
  • A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
  • Previous military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.

#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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