How Much Do Pilot Instructors Make Per Year?

Understanding the Pilot Instructor Pay Scale

While flight instructor salaries are not as high as those of airline pilots, becoming a CFI is a crucial stepping stone in an aviation career. The primary motivation for most CFIs is to accumulate the 1,500 flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, rather than making a long-term living from instructing.

At JA Flight Training, our instructors typically earn around $30 per hour. While some flight instructors across the country may earn more, it is essential to set realistic expectations. Many CFIs work full-time to build hours quickly, while others choose a part-time schedule to balance work and training.

Now, let's take a closer look at hourly versus salary-based pay structures for flight instructors.

Pilot Instructor Pay: Hourly vs. Salary

Most CFIs are paid hourly rather than receiving a fixed salary. Unlike salaried positions that offer consistent pay regardless of workload, hourly flight instructors get paid based on the number of lessons they conduct.

While $30 per hour is the average at JA Flight Training, there are ways to maximize earnings while gaining flight hours:

• Teaching Ground School: CFIs can increase their hours by providing ground instruction, which does not count towards flight time but supplements income.
• Working Additional Hours: CFIs who work more than five days a week can accumulate hours faster, helping them reach their ATP minimums sooner.
• Gaining Additional Certifications: Obtaining instrument instructor (CFII) or multi-engine instructor (MEI) certifications can open up more teaching opportunities.



While flight instruction isn’t typically a long-term career, it is an essential and rewarding step toward becoming an airline pilot.

Best Places to Work as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

If you’re considering becoming a CFI, choosing the right workplace can help maximize your experience and flight hours. Some of the best places to work as a flight instructor include:

• Flight Schools: Working at Part 141 or Part 61 flight school provides consistent students and structured training programs.
• University Aviation Programs: Collegiate flight programs often provide steady work and the chance to train career-focused students.
• Local Airports: Some independent instructors operate at smaller airports, offering flexible schedules and personalized training.

Where you choose to work depends on your career goals, the type of students you want to teach, and how quickly you want to build hours.

Career Advancement for CFIs

The goal of most flight instructors is to gain the experience and hours needed to advance to the airlines. CFIs typically work in the role for about two years before reaching the 1,500-hour ATP requirement and moving on to regional airlines.



The best way to advance your career as a flight instructor is to remain committed to flying regularly, gain additional instructor ratings, and build strong professional relationships in the aviation community. The more experience you accumulate, the more valuable you become as a pilot.

Take the Next Step: Enroll in Our CFI Training Course

If you’re ready to gain valuable flight hours and prepare for a successful airline career, becoming a CFI is the best way to do it. At JA Flight Training, we provide the tools, training, and support needed to help you transition from instructor to airline pilot.

As Chicago’s premier flight training center, we offer structured programs designed to help you maximize your flight time efficiently. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a flight instructor, contact us today or visit our About page.

Your aviation career starts here!