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Seasonal Flight Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Flight Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$97.5K

$149.9K

How much do seasonal flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal flight instructor in Chicago, IL is $97,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal flight instructor?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal flight instructor?

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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Flight Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

IKONIC ART PARTY LLC

Palatine, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor - Ikonic Glass

WHO WE ARE
Ikonic Glass is a traveling glassblowing company that brings live, hands-on lampworking workshops to festivals, markets, and events across the country. We teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing to the public — real workshops, real fire, real people experiencing glass for the first time.
We are a small but growing team of artists, teachers, performers, and operators building meaningful public experiences through live events. We are not a pipe company. We are not a bro crew. We care deeply about safety, professionalism, showmanship, and the 20-minute experience we create for every student who steps up to the torch — or stops to watch.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor with Ikonic Glass, you will lead live torch-based workshops for small groups at fairs and events across the country. You will guide students through their first experience with glass in a fast-paced, highly public environment that combines teaching, performance, hospitality, and operational teamwork.
This role is repetitive by design. You will teach the same beginner-level class up to 24 times per day while maintaining strong energy, professionalism, and guest focus from the first class to the last.
You should expect:
  •  Long days on your feet in outdoor environments 
  •  Frequent interaction with the public 
  •  Repetitive teaching using a structured curriculum 
  •  Travel ranging from single weekends to multi-week runs 
  •  Physical setup and teardown work, including lifting 40+ lbs 
  •  A team-oriented environment where reliability and consistency matter 
If that sounds like your kind of work, keep reading.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
  •  Teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing using our structured curriculum 
  •  Lead safety orientations before each class 
  •  Create a safe, encouraging, and memorable experience for every student 
  •  Perform public demonstrations and engage with crowds throughout the event 
  •  Set up and break down the mobile workshop booth and equipment 
  •  Assemble, inspect, and safely operate propane/oxygen systems and torch equipment 
  •  Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace 
  •  Coordinate class flow and readiness with front-end staff 
  •  Package and organize completed student pieces for pickup 
  •  Assist with check-in, checkout, POS responsibilities, and guest support throughout the event 
  •  Track tools, equipment, and consumables using our inventory system 
  •  Travel to events across the U.S. as scheduled 
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE GREAT HERE
Desired Experience
  •  Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience 
  •  Comfortable working with torch systems, propane/oxygen equipment, and PPE 
  •  Prior teaching, instructional, hospitality, or public-facing experience preferred 
  •  Event, festival, restaurant, or high-volume service experience is a strong plus 
The Traits That Matter Most
  •  Reliable — you show up on time and follow through 
  •  Coachable — you can follow systems and take direction well 
  •  Guest-focused — you bring patience, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction 
  •  Emotionally steady — you stay composed under pressure and high volume 
  •  Team-oriented — you contribute to the group, not just your own performance 
  •  Engaging and high-energy — you communicate clearly and connect with people quickly 
  •  Adaptable — you handle changing conditions and unexpected problems calmly 
  •  Safety-serious — you do not cut corners with fire, tanks, or safety procedures 
Restaurant and line-cook experience translates well to this role. If you have thrived in loud, fast-paced, repetitive, team-based environments, you may already have many of the skills this job requires.
THIS ROLE IS PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU IF
  •  You are looking for a quiet studio environment or significant creative autonomy 
  •  You dislike repetitive teaching or structured curriculum 
  •  You are uncomfortable speaking and performing in front of crowds 
  •  You are not open to extended travel or time away from home 
  •  You prefer highly flexible schedules or working independently 
  •  You struggle in physically demanding, fast-paced environments 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
  •  $25/hour for instruction during events 
  •  Reduced rate for training, onboarding, setup, and teardown 
  •  Lodging provided during travel (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, depending on the event) 
  •  Flight stipend offered when needed 
  •  All required tools, safety equipment, and teaching materials provided 
  •  OSHA and safety training included during onboarding 
  •  Advancement opportunities as the company grows 
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
  •  Seasonal W2 position with potential for continued or expanded work based on performance 
  •  Onboarding begins: (Date) 
  •  Background check required 
  •  OSHA training required during onboarding 
  •  Must be able to regularly lift and carry 40+ lbs 
  •  Role involves sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions 
Tell us about your torch experience, teaching or public-facing background, availability, and what draws you to this opportunity.
We read every application carefully and respond to every candidate we move forward with.
We are not just hiring workers. We are building a team.