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Simulator Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

... simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote ... The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and ...

Saic

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

... simulation systems and procedures. This position may provide mentoring for students and Remote ... The CTS Instructor is a hands‑on position that requires the candidate to effectively and ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

The CTS Instructor is a hands-on position that requires the candidate to effectively and consistently deliver the highest quality classroom and/or simulation laboratory training to a wide variety of ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Operational Experience with ATC simulators including scenario design for simulation platforms (e.g ... Instructor-II Simulation Laboratory and Classroom Certification. Target salary range: $40,001 - $80 ...

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Simulator Instructor information

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How much do simulator instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for simulator instructor in Chicago, IL is $22.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a simulator instructor?

A Simulator Instructor is a professional who trains individuals, often pilots or other technical operators, using flight or equipment simulators. They guide trainees through realistic scenarios to develop and assess their skills in a controlled, safe environment. Simulator Instructors provide feedback, evaluate performance, and ensure that trainees meet the required standards for safety and proficiency. They often work in aviation, maritime, military, or industrial settings to help prepare personnel for real-world operations.

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

To thrive as a Simulator Instructor, you typically need a strong background in aviation or technical training, relevant certifications (such as FAA or EASA instructor credentials), and in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and procedures. Familiarity with advanced flight simulators, learning management systems, and scenario-based training tools is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching styles are crucial soft skills for engaging trainees and ensuring knowledge transfer. These skills and qualities are vital to deliver effective, realistic training that ensures pilot competency and safety in real-world operations.

What are some common challenges simulator instructors face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Simulator Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying levels of trainee experience, managing simulator malfunctions, and ensuring realism in training scenarios. To address these, instructors typically tailor their teaching methods to individual learning styles, stay up-to-date with simulator technology, and regularly update scenarios to reflect current operational procedures. Open communication with trainees and collaboration with other instructors also help create a supportive learning environment and promote effective skill development.

What is the difference between Simulator Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectSimulator InstructorFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsTypically requires FAA or equivalent simulator instructor certificationRequires FAA or equivalent pilot certification and instructor ratings
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in simulators, training centers, or classroomsIn aircraft, flight schools, or training airports
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aviation training centers, airlines, militaryUsed in flight schools, airlines, private training

Simulator Instructors focus on training pilots using flight simulators, emphasizing technical skills in a controlled environment. Flight Instructors teach pilots in actual aircraft, covering practical flying skills. Both roles require aviation certifications but differ mainly in training environment and specific certifications. Understanding these differences helps aspiring aviation professionals choose the right career path.

How much do simulator instructors make?

Simulator instructors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require certification and familiarity with flight or driving simulators, and may work full-time or part-time schedules.

How to become a simulator instructor?

To become a simulator instructor, candidates typically need relevant experience in the specific industry, such as aviation or driving, and often require certification or licensing related to the field. Training on simulator operation and instructional techniques is also essential, along with strong communication skills. Some employers may prefer candidates with a background in the subject matter and familiarity with simulation software and equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Simulator Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Simulator Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Simulator Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulator Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $47,317 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Flight Instructor CMH

FlightSafety International

Joliet, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 225 rated education and training

Job description

Salary Range: [[salaryMin]] - [[salaryMax]]

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Education
  • No requirement.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.

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