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Simulator Instructor Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Simulator Instructor information

See San Jose, CA salary details

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$36

How much do simulator instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for simulator instructor in San Jose, CA is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $28.17 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 San Jose, CA?

For Simulator Instructor jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Simulator Instructor jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Simulator Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Simulator Instructor job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,845 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Nursing Simulation Technologist- Full Time

San Jose, CA • On-site

Unitek Learning
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$36 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Description
As a leading healthcare education organization, Unitek Learning's family of schools helps thousands of students launch and accelerate their careers every year. As a rapidly growing and highly successful company, Unitek is also a great place to pursue a rewarding and challenging career. We offer a competitive salary, generous benefits, unlimited growth potential, and a collegiate work environment.
Why Work for Unitek Learning? To be part of a healthcare revolution. There is plenty of demand from students who want to become nurses, and there is plenty of demand to hire highly skilled nurses. Unitek Learning is on a mission to fix the connection between those who want to become nurses and the communities who desperately need them. We graduate culturally competent and highly skilled nurses, and we do this at scale. We have history, stability and strong student outcomes. We need your experience and transfer of knowledge to make this vision come to life. Be a part of the solution.
This role supports simulation and skills labs for all nursing programs at their assigned campus within the Unitek family of colleges. This person is responsible for the audiovisual and simulation equipment inventory, support, maintenance, and setup, including the care of the manikins and the other equipment used in the simulation program. This role's main purpose is to use industry standards to help faculty provide quality simulated learning experiences for students. Must have previous simulation experience in a healthcare or education setting!
Pay: $36-$45/hr.
Job Description
  • Maintains current knowledge of simulation/lab equipment and operation manuals.
  • Programs simulator software to model simulator's physiological response to instructor and/or scenario specifications.
  • Operates a variety of computers and technical equipment pertaining to simulation scenarios.
  • Operates and maintains audio-visual and debriefing systems.
  • Supports faculty and students with virtual reality equipment and updates.
  • Demonstrates proper techniques, use of tools, and equipment for students during simulation and skills lab exercises.
  • Performs simulation demonstrations and provides orientation, assistance, training, and technical support to instructors on simulation and skills lab procedures, operation of equipment, and location and use of materials.
  • Prepares and maintains simulation and skills lab equipment, manikins, media, audio/visual, computers, and materials related to learning.
  • Develops, explains, and demonstrates instructional best practices for the use of the manikins and equipment to help elevate the simulation experiences of students and faculty.
  • Assists in the development of simulation and skills laboratory manuals.
  • Assists faculty in managing simulation and skills laboratory schedules.
  • Provides technical support for task trainers and multimedia peripherals, including:
    • Medication dispensing systems.
    • Vital sign monitors.
    • IV pumps and feeding pumps.
    • Beds/examination tables, headwalls, patient monitors, and other healthcare equipment.
  • Provides theatrical production (costuming and moulage) for simulation scenarios as requested.
  • Provides technical assistance, support and training to students, faculty, and staff in the use of simulation and skills lab equipment.
  • Enforces the safety and security of the simulation and skills labs according to established procedures, policies, and laws.
  • Ensures that simulation and skills laboratories and other assigned areas are maintained in a clean, safe and orderly condition.
  • Maintains accurate and complete records and files, including materials and equipment inventories, warranty information, and maintenance records and schedules.
  • Works closely with students, staff, and faculty to solve complex problems, assists in identifying support resources, and installs new software and equipment as appropriate.
  • Provides recommendations on equipment, supplies and materials.
  • Proctor exams as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Associate's degree (AD) in healthcare field preferred: paramedic, medic, EMT, emergency tech, CNA, or hospital technician required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • 1-2 years of simulation experience working with simulation in an educational institution or equivalent setting preferred.
  • Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist® (CHSOS®) preferred (required to obtain within three years on job, if not certified upon hire).
  • Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Able to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Flexible and able to adapt to a dynamic environment based on changing policies, procedures and clinical needs.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy/physiology preferred.

Additional Information
We Offer (for Full Time):
  • Medical, Dental and Vision starting the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
  • 2 Weeks' starting Vacation per year. Increasing based on years of service with company
  • 12 paid Holidays and 2 Floating Holiday
  • 401K with a Company Match
  • Company Paid Life Insurance at 1x's your annual salary
  • Leadership development and training for career advancement
  • Tuition assistance and Forgiveness for you and your family up to 100% depending on program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.