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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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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 29, 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:
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.

Aviation Instructor - Adjunct

Green River College

Auburn, WA • On-site

$101.95 - $113.93/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Green River College rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $101.95 - $113.93 Hourly
Location : Downtown Auburn Center - 1221 D St NE, Auburn, WA
Job Type: Adjunct Faculty
Job Number: 24-ADJ-Aviation
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
ABOUT THE COLLEGE:
Green River College's student body is made up of approximately 41% Academic Transfer students, 34% Professional-Technical, 15% Adult Basic Education, 3% Applied Bachelor degrees. Green River College has four campuses, including the main campus in Auburn, with satellite campuses in Kent, downtown Auburn, and Enumclaw. Green River programs serve high school graduates, Running Start students (dual enrollment in local high schools and the college), those seeking retraining for the workforce, international students, students learning English, and Continuing Education students. Green River's service areas are increasingly ethnically diverse, comprising African Americans, African immigrants, Asian Americans, Asians, Latinx, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Middle Eastern Americans, among other communities.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
Green River College is committed to enhancing and supporting a diverse campus environment, incorporating principles of equity in order to promote inclusive practices. Diversity is understood in terms of intersectional identities defined by culture, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, social class, disability, religion, veteran status, immigration status, and age. Given the diversity of our student population and service areas, we encourage applications from faculty, staff, and administrators with demonstrated experience and expertise in supporting, sustaining and serving people from a wide range of backgrounds and collaborating effectively with others.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Technology Division is accepting applications to be considered for adjunct instruction.
Adjunct instructors are appointed quarter to quarter based on student enrollment. For specifics, applicants should contact the division for more information.
Green River College welcomes individuals who have a commitment to teach and the ability to utilize a variety of methods and modes of instruction to ensure student success. Given the diversity of our student population, we encourage applications from individuals who can adapt instructional methods to a wide range of student backgrounds and interests.
The successful candidate may teach a variety of aviation classes including fixed-wing pilot ground schools, aviation weather, airline operations, aviation law, aircraft dispatcher, airport management, international flight planning and ETOPS.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Three-years professional (paid) experience in the aviation industry in one or more of the following areas; commercial pilot, flight instructor, airline dispatcher, airline or general aviation maintenance, and /or air traffic control
  • 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 Part 121 - Large Airline Operations
  • Demonstrated experience working with staff and students from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • One year of successful experience in aviation instruction
  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation
  • Teaching experience in the field of aviation
  • Possess either a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate (CFII) or a Basic or Advanced Instrument Ground Instructor Certificate (BGI, AGI, IGI)
  • Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or 1500 hours flight experience

Supplemental Information
Attach the following with your completed online application and responses to the Supplemental Questions (located under the tab titled "Supplemental Questions") to be considered for this position.
  • A Cover Letter which specifically describes how you meet each qualification
  • Resume
  • Supplemental question(s)

(*) Should you have any difficulties uploading the below documents, please contact NeoGov tech support at 1-855-524-5627 Mon-Fri 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. pacific time.At this time, Green River College is not sponsoring for H1-B Visas.
This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
All offers of employment are subject to background checks. (Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.)
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law RCW 28B.112.080.
Green River College is a tobacco free campus. For more information on the tobacco policy, please visit the following link:
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report- Green River College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at , containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 253-288-3350.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn, WA 98092-3622, (253) 288-3320.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Support Services at (253) 833-9111, ext. 2631; TTY (253) 288-3359.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Statement of Non-Discrimination: Green River College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual sensory, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Green River College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sex-based harassment, and sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Green River College's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Reporting: Any employee, student, applicant, or visitor who believes that he, she or they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the College's appropriate Title IX Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to the President's office for referral to an alternate designee.
For students/employees/public/visitors/applicants: Korland Simmons, Title IX Coordinator • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
More than Just a Paycheck!Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.
Health Benefits:Adjunct faculty may become eligible for benefits if they work two (2) consecutive quarters at 50% or more of full time academic load in order to qualify for benefits (based on instructional hours only).
Newly-hired adjunct faculty are eligible for PEBB insurance benefits when they have taught 50 percent or more of a full-time workload* for two consecutive quarters at one or more public higher education institutions, going on benefits the start of the second quarter at 50% or more. Medical, dental, life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the
Adjunct faculty who initially meet the State Board Retirement Plan Eligibility criteria after June 30, 2011 are given the option to participate in the State Board Plan (TIAA-CREF) or to participate in TRS 3, and have 30 days to make a choice. The eligibility threshold for participation in the State Board Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF) is 50 percent of a full-time workload* at one or more college districts or the State Board for two consecutive quarters. There may be other options available under limited circumstances.
Leave accruals and usage are governed by the faculty master contract.
*Half time is defined as one-half of the full-time academic workload as determined by each institution, except that half time for community and technical colleges faculty employees is governed by RCW 28B.50.489.

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