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Seasonal Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do seasonal flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Seasonal Flight Instructor vs Part-Time Flight Instructor?

AspectSeasonal Flight InstructorPart-Time Flight Instructor
CertificationsRequired flight instructor certificates, often with additional seasonal endorsementsSame as seasonal, with flexible scheduling
Work EnvironmentIntensive during peak seasons, often at flight schools or airportsFlexible, part-time hours at various flight training locations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in regions with seasonal weather or tourismUsed across flight schools for flexible staffing

Seasonal Flight Instructors typically work during peak seasons, focusing on intensive training, while Part-Time Flight Instructors have flexible schedules year-round. Both roles require similar certifications and are employed in flight schools or airports. The main difference lies in the seasonal versus ongoing part-time nature of the work.

What are seasonal flight instructors?

Seasonal flight instructors are certified pilots hired on a temporary basis, typically during peak periods such as summer or holidays, to provide flight training to students. They teach aspiring pilots the fundamentals of flying, aviation safety, and help them log required flight hours. Seasonal flight instructors often work for flight schools, universities, or aviation camps, and their contracts usually last for a specific season or a set number of months. This role is ideal for experienced pilots who want flexible, short-term work or are looking to build more instructional experience.

Is 25 too old to start flight training?

Seasonal flight instructor roles typically require a commercial pilot certificate and instructor ratings, which can be obtained at any age as long as health and certification requirements are met. Starting flight training at 25 is common and feasible, with many pilots beginning training in their twenties or later, and age generally does not disqualify candidates from becoming flight instructors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Flight Instructor, you need a valid flight instructor certificate (such as CFI), strong piloting skills, and comprehensive aviation knowledge. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft navigation systems, and adherence to FAA regulations are typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability are vital soft skills for effectively teaching diverse students in varying conditions. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, effective training and to foster student confidence and proficiency in flight.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5 hour rule for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) refers to the requirement that CFIs must log at least 5 hours of flight training with students within a 24-hour period to ensure effective instruction and safety. This rule helps maintain proper instructor-student interaction and is part of regulatory standards for flight training sessions.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

There is consistent demand for flight instructors due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors play a key role in helping students obtain certifications such as the private and commercial pilot licenses, and demand can vary based on economic factors and regional aviation activity.

How much does a flight instructor make a month?

A seasonal flight instructor typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours taught. Compensation may also include benefits such as housing or stipends, especially during peak seasons or in remote areas.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal Flight Instructors, and how can they be managed?

Seasonal Flight Instructors often face the challenge of quickly adapting to fluctuating student schedules and varying levels of student experience during peak training periods. Balancing multiple students while ensuring each receives thorough, personalized instruction can be demanding. Instructors can manage these challenges by maintaining strong organizational skills, proactively communicating with students and administrative staff, and staying current with training protocols. Building rapport with students and being flexible with lesson plans also helps ensure a positive and effective learning environment.
More about Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Seasonal Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
TES Certificated Flight Instructor

TES Certificated Flight Instructor

Auburn University

Auburn, AL • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview
Auburn University is initiating a search for TES Certified Flight Instructors to provide flight training for Auburn University students enrolled in Professional Flight.
IMPORTANT - When submitting your application for consideration you will need to upload a copy of your certification(s) in the Additional Documents area of the application. Temporary FAA certificates are acceptable.
Temporary Employment Services (TES), a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, is an in-house support center established to meet the temporary employment needs of the university. TES provides qualified and dedicated temporary employees in a wide variety of occupations to meet the staffing needs throughout the campus. Temporary employees are hired for a variety of reasons with the most common being:
  • Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
  • Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
  • Assistance with special projects
  • Seasonal work
  • Emergencies

If you are looking for an employment opportunity, TES is a great way to showcase your professional skills and assist Auburn University while gaining valuable work experience within higher education.
AU student employees are not eligible for TES.
Responsibilities
  • Provide flight, aviation training device (simulator), and oral instruction in accordance with all AU Professional Flight and FAA procedures and practices. Prepare schedules, maintain records, and ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by each student in each flight course.
  • Promotes and instills the safety culture of AU Flight Education by adhering to all prescribed policies and procedures, bringing any safety-related issues to the attention of the Chief and Assistant Chief Flight Instructors, and working to instill a culture of safety in all their students.
  • Ensures each assigned student is scheduled in accordance with the student's flight training schedule on the days and time blocks established. Schedules assigned students to make up any missed lessons, or to accommodate additional availability the student may have.
  • Perform the duties of a certificated flight instructor as authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the FAA-approved Training Course Outlines:
    • Regularly schedule each assigned student to ensure satisfactory progress through the course and immediately inform assigned Assistant Chief Flight Instructor of any delays in training or satisfactory progress.
    • Accurately maintain all appropriate records, which includes student training records, student logbook, and computer records.
    • Ensure that course objectives, standards, and minimums are met by all assigned students as prescribed in the applicable Training Course Outline.
    • Adequately prepare assigned students for Stage Checks, End-of-Course Tests, and FAA Practical Tests.
    • Be responsible for the timely course completion of all students assigned including completion of required documentation.
    • Monitor the maintenance condition and airworthiness status of the training aircraft and inform fleet maintenance personnel and/or supervisor of any discrepancies.
    • File safety reports as necessary to report any observed safety concerns or situations that may adversely affect aviation safety.
    • Attend administrative, standardization, currency training, and instructor meetings as assigned.
    • Complete all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Level I: CFII requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $33 per hour
Level II: MEI requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane/Multi-Engine Airplane certification - $35 per hour
Level III: Flight Standards requires Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine/Instrument-Airplane certification - $36-38 per hour
All Levels require a current Third Class FAA Medical Certification
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must demonstrate piloting proficiency and instructing ability during initial standardization training. Ability to work well under pressure in a busy environment, congested airspace, and be able to exercise proper aeronautical decision making.
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

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