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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

S46 Remote Pilot Operator

Burien, WA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

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

Green River College

Aviation Instructor - Adjunct

Auburn, WA · On-site

$101.95 - $113.93/hr

Knowledge of Code Federal Regulations: o Part 61- Pilot and Flight Instructor Certification procedures o Part 65 - Aircraft Dispatcher Certification requirements o Part 91 - General Operating Rules o ...

SAIC

S46 Remote Pilot Operator

Burien, WA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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

SAIC

BFI Air Traffic Control Instructor

Seattle, WA

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification Desired Skills and Experience: * Direct ...

SAIC

PAE Air Traffic Control Instructor

Everett, WA

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification Desired Skills and Experience: * Direct ...

SAIC

BFI Air Traffic Control Instructor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification Desired Skills and Experience: * Direct ...

SAIC

PAE Air Traffic Control Instructor

Everett, WA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

This position will provide mentoring for students and Remote Pilot Operators (RPO) as well as ... Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory Certification Desired Skills and Experience: * Direct ...

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All JobsInstructor Pilot JobsInstructor Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA

Instructor Pilot information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45K

$117.3K

$195.3K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Seattle, WA is $117,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,600.00 and $144,000.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Instructor Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA? For Instructor Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instructor Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Instructor Pilot jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,326 per year, or $56.4 per hour.
S46 Remote Pilot Operator

S46 Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Burien, WA • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 230 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.
We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Seattle TRACON (LS46) in Burien, WA, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Job Description:
The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.
The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications: Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.
To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
Desired Skills and Experience:
  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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