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

Military Security Officer

Harvey, IL

$16.50 - $21/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Plainfield, IL

$17 - $21.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Chicago, IL

$18 - $23/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Palatine, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Chicago, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Long Grove, IL

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Bannockburn, IL

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Dyer, IN

$17.25 - $22/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Norridge, IL

$17.25 - $22/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Hazel Crest, IL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Hammond, IN

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Fox River Grove, IL

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Oak Park, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Peotone, IL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Hometown, IL

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Knollwood, IL

$17.25 - $22/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Westchester, IL

$17.25 - $22/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Flight Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$38

$75

How much do senior flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior flight instructor in Chicago, IL is $38.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.67 and $51.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior flight instructor?

Senior Flight Instructors are highly experienced aviation professionals responsible for training and mentoring student pilots as well as less experienced flight instructors. They provide advanced flight instruction, ensure safety standards are met, evaluate student progress, and may develop training programs or conduct check rides. Senior Flight Instructors often have thousands of flight hours and hold advanced certifications, allowing them to instruct on complex aircraft and specialized flight operations. Their expertise plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of pilot competency and aviation safety.

What are some common challenges senior flight instructors face when mentoring less experienced instructors or students?

Senior Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to suit diverse learning needs and maintaining high safety standards while managing multiple trainees. They are also responsible for providing clear, constructive feedback to less experienced instructors, which can require patience and strong communication skills. Additionally, balancing administrative duties with in-flight instruction and staying updated with the latest aviation regulations are key aspects of the role. Successful Senior Flight Instructors foster a supportive learning environment and model professionalism to help their colleagues and students grow.

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

To thrive as a Senior Flight Instructor, you need advanced piloting skills, deep knowledge of aviation regulations, and an instructor certification such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, often with thousands of flight hours. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation training software, and aircraft-specific systems is essential. Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities help effectively train and evaluate student pilots. These skills and qualities ensure safe, high-quality instruction and support the development of competent, confident aviators.

What is the difference between Senior Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectSenior Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and additional endorsementsPrivate Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentAdvanced flight training, mentoring junior instructors, complex aircraftBasic flight training, student instruction, general flight lessons
ResponsibilitiesSupervising training, curriculum development, evaluating instructorsTeaching student pilots, conducting flight lessons, ensuring safety

The main difference between a Senior Flight Instructor and a Flight Instructor lies in experience, responsibilities, and certifications. Senior Flight Instructors typically have more advanced credentials, oversee training programs, and mentor less experienced instructors, whereas Flight Instructors focus on delivering flight training to students. Both roles are essential in flight training environments, but the senior position involves additional leadership and expertise.

Are senior flight instructors in high demand?

Senior flight instructors are generally in steady demand due to ongoing needs for pilot training and certification. Their experience and advanced certifications make them valuable in flight schools and aviation programs, especially as the industry seeks qualified instructors to meet pilot staffing requirements.

How much money can you make as a senior flight instructor?

Senior flight instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the flight school. They often supplement income through flight hours, certifications, and additional responsibilities such as training or administrative roles.

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:

Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor (Job ID: 4481)

Valkyrie Enterprises

Great Lakes, IL

$27 - $28.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor
Contingent Upon Customer Approval
Purpose:
  • Valkyrie Enterprises has a need for a Damage Control (DC) Firefighting Contractor Instructor who will be a key support to Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) in Great Lakes, IL.
Job Description:
  • The DC Instructor will support SWSC and providing instruction, operation, testing, remediation, curriculum support (includes updates and maintenance of curriculum), administration, safety, and management support services for formalized naval training
  • Responsibilities include technical and military training, involving instructor services and remediation for DOD personnel, including Navy and Allied Forces officer and enlisted personnel, temporarily assigned to SWSC Great Lakes, IL for training.
Qualifications:
  • Must have a High School Diploma and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Must be a graduate of the following courses:
    • Graduate of the Navy Instructor Training Course (CIN: A-012-0077) (NEC 9502) OR equivalent instructor training course.
    • General Shipboard Fire Fighting Training – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (A-495-0416).
    • Shipboard Damage Control Team Trainer (K-495-0045)
  • Must have at least 3 years technical experience in Damage Control.
  • Must have at least 2 years of experience in a Military Training Environment.
  • Must have strong knowledge of learning principles, methods of presentation, testing, remediation procedures, and training equipment.
  • Must have comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols, shipboard and aircraft fire fighting procedures, and shipboard damage control procedures.
  • Must be a former senior (E5 – E9) Surface Ship Damage Controlman or similar rating.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Navy Damage Controlman (CPO preferred) or Engineering Department Leader (EN, GS, EM, etc.) preferred.
  • Possess the 9502 Basic Instructor NEC or ATG experience preferred.
  • Shipboard firefighting experience preferred.
  • Current Basic EMT qualification, or higher preferred.
Security Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to obtain a favorable background and/or maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Travel Requirements:
  • Occasional Travel - less than 15%
  • If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id).
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to reach, climb, stoop, amp; kneel up to 75% of the time.
  • Repetitive motion, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, and visual acuity (depth perception).
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Subject to outside environmental conditions (extreme cold/heat), Inside or Outside / Noise levels

Pre-Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment.

Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote, and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.
Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).