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Riding Instructor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Riding Instructor information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$9

$16

$27

How much do riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for riding instructor in Philadelphia, PA is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a riding instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Riding Instructor, you need strong equestrian skills, knowledge of horse care, and relevant certifications such as BHS or CHA accreditation. Familiarity with safety protocols, tack and equipment, and lesson planning tools is essential. Patience, clear communication, and the ability to motivate and build trust with students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective, safe instruction and foster positive learning experiences for riders of all levels.

What does a riding instructor do?

As a riding instructor, your primary responsibilities are to provide lessons to students. You often work with both the horse and the rider to teach them skills and help them bond as a pair. Your duties include sharing technique and teaching riders how to communicate with their horses. You also teach horse ownership skills, like saddling, grooming, and cleaning stables. Although no formal qualifications are required, you may need certification through an entity such as the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) or the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) to find employment. Other than horsemanship skills, you also need excellent communication and organizational skills.

What are some common challenges riding instructors face when working with students of varying skill levels?

Riding Instructors often work with students who have a wide range of abilities, from beginners to advanced riders. A common challenge is tailoring lessons to meet each student's individual needs while ensuring safety and engagement for everyone. Instructors must be patient, adaptable, and skilled at clear communication, as well as adept at managing group dynamics and addressing nervousness or fear in new riders. Building trust with both students and horses is essential, and progress may require creative problem-solving and ongoing assessment of each rider’s development.

What does a riding instructor do?

A riding instructor teaches individuals or groups how to ride horses safely and effectively. Their responsibilities include instructing students on proper riding techniques, horse care, and safety procedures. They may work with riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and can specialize in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or western riding. Riding instructors also ensure the well-being of both the students and horses during lessons. They often work at riding schools, stables, or private facilities.

What is the difference between Riding Instructor vs Horse Trainer?

AspectRiding InstructorHorse Trainer
CertificationsRiding certifications, teaching credentialsHorse training certifications, equine behavior knowledge
Work EnvironmentEquestrian centers, riding schools, stablesTraining facilities, farms, stables
Employer & Industry UsageEquestrian schools, riding academies, private lessonsBreeding farms, training yards, professional trainers

While both Riding Instructors and Horse Trainers work with horses, Riding Instructors focus on teaching riders of all skill levels how to ride safely and effectively. Horse Trainers primarily work on training horses to improve their behavior, performance, or suitability for specific disciplines. The roles often overlap, but the main difference lies in their focus: rider education versus horse development.

More about Riding Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Riding Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Riding Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Riding Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Riding Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Riding Instructor job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,034 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

CDL (Commercial Driver's License) Instructor (Part-Time)

Driving Academy

Trenton, NJ • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary role of Driving Academy's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Instructor is to ensure that our students are given the highest quality education in preparation for their CDL road test. You will be working hands on with students at our training yard to help them perfect their pre-trip/in-cab inspection, parking maneuvers, road driving skills, and operate a vehicle safely in accordance with applicable laws in all outdoor conditions.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

We are the Driving Academy, we provide affordable, state-approved classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons for people who are aspiring to earn a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), and we are growing by the day. Our mission is to help our students get on the Road to Freedom by earning their CDL! We are Accountable and Results Oriented in our pursuit to see every team member reach their personal, professional, and financial goals through the work we do together. Our core value of having Integrity is the backbone of our business and guides our hiring process.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

    Instructs students in the skills needed to operate CDL vehicles, such as tractor trailers and buses

    Teaches students how to park CDL vehicles using a variety of different methods:

    Teaches students how to conduct pre-trip and in-cab inspections in preparation for CDL testing

    Prepares materials for trucking simulator program lessons, assignments and tests; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance

    Tracks and assigns student time in the vehicles

    Implements safety policies and procedures

    Conducts routine inspections on vehicles including adding/refueling vehicles Maintains required paperwork for individual student/yard files and other necessary records

    Move vehicles from one location to another in training yard

    Oversees students as they learn to safely and properly operate a vehicle on public roadways

    Performs other related duties as assigned

KEY COMPETENCIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be successful in this role, but are not necessarily all inclusive.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of CDL vehicle operation and vehicle laws
  • Ability to be patient and remain calm when riding with a student driver
  • Knowledge of CDL vehicle components and their purposes
  • Ability to teach students the principles of operating a vehicle

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Valid Commercial Driver's License and clean driving record required
  • Class A License required
  • Two years of relevant experience
  • Fluency in multiple languages preferred; English and Spanish
  • Teaching or law enforcement background desirable
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to climb in and out of trucks and buses
  • Prolonged ability to stand
  • Prolonged periods of riding in a vehicle
  • Physical ability to operate a vehicle
  • Ability to look beneath trucks and buses
  • Ability to see near and far details
  • Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds at a time
  • Perform work with OSHA required PPE; Including COVID19 PPE
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements
COMPENSATION
  • $23 - $25 per hour
  • Monthly bonus available

BENEFITS
  • Health Insurance Stipend
  • Bonus Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation Days
  • Paid Sick Days
  • 401(k) with matching
  • Employee Discount
  • Professional Training & Development Opportunities

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Driving Academy recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.