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Pilot Simulator Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Position Summary As a Simulator Instructor, you will have a direct impact on PSA ... You will not be line qualified or on the PSA Pilot Seniority list in this position. Job ...

Position Summary As a Simulator Instructor, you will have a direct impact on PSA Airlines' growth ... You will not be line qualified or on the PSA Pilot Seniority list in this position. Job ...

All Instructor Pilots and Simulator Instructor Operators operate under DCMA INST 8210‑1D requirements. This is a chance to make a measurable impact on Army aviation readiness while working with ...

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Pilot Simulator Instructor information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do pilot simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot simulator instructor in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Pilot Simulator Instructor job?

A Pilot Simulator Instructor is responsible for training and evaluating pilots using flight simulators. They provide instruction on flight procedures, emergency scenarios, and aircraft systems to ensure pilots are prepared for real-world operations. These instructors typically have extensive flying experience and certifications specific to the aircraft they teach. Their role is crucial in maintaining pilot proficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pilot Simulator Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot Simulator Instructor, you need extensive aviation knowledge, flight experience (often with a commercial or airline transport pilot license), and a deep understanding of training methodologies. Familiarity with advanced flight simulation systems and relevant instructor certifications, such as FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or equivalent, is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and adaptability are critical soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring pilots of varying experience levels. Mastering these skills ensures safe, effective instruction and prepares pilots to handle real-world flying scenarios with confidence.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Pilot Simulator Instructor?

As a Pilot Simulator Instructor, your daily responsibilities include conducting simulator training sessions, evaluating pilot performance, and providing detailed feedback to trainees. You will also be responsible for developing training scenarios, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of procedures and regulatory changes, and completing session documentation. Instructors frequently collaborate with other trainers and operational staff to ensure consistency and quality of training. These duties create a dynamic and rewarding environment where you play a key role in improving pilot proficiency and safety.

More about Pilot Simulator Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Simulator Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Simulator Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Pilot Simulator Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Simulator Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pilot Simulator Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

AIRPLANE PILOT (SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR)

Air Education and Training Command

Columbus, MS • On-site, Remote

$103K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an aircraft simulator and academic instructor for students enrolled in the United States Air Force (USAF) Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) program.
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Duties
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  • Applying aviator experience, serves as a simulator instructor for students in Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Applying aviator experience, serves as an academic instructor for students in Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Monitors and evaluates student progress and performance.
  • Performs other duties related to accomplishment of the unit operational and training mission.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • 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.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Previous experience as an instructor in a military aircraft is highly desirable.
  • Incumbent may be required to stand for several hours at a time while instructing in a classroom environment.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • Incumbent is subject to work other than normal duty hours, which may change daily due to simulator and academic work schedules.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. [cont...]
  • Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • This is a non-flying position.
  • Specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need to have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. A pre-employment physical is required.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operations Series 2181.
Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
AND
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
Total Flight Time Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
  • They hold the certificates and ratings required;
  • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
  • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
  • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

  1. Pilot-In-Command Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  2. Night Flying For in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  3. Instrument At the GS-11 level and above, at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.
  4. Instructor Time Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.

Flight Hour Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours):
  • Total Flight Time - 1500 Hours
  • Pilot-In-Command - 250 Hours
  • Night Flying - 75 Hours
  • Instrument - 75 Hours
  • Instructor Time - 500 Instructor Hours

Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours
Medical Requirements:
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first-class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of training aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
  2. Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
  3. Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives.
  4. Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in an aircraft simulator.
  5. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, to include classroom instruction before large and small audiences.
  6. Ability to teach multiple academic courses while using computer-based teaching aides.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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