Flight Instructor
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the training of pilots or navigators, to prepare them to fly and/or navigate commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate and rescue aircraft, and fixed or rotary wing aircraft. Includes instruction in principles of aircraft design and performance, aircraft flight systems and controls, flight crew operations and procedures, radio communications and navigation procedures and systems, airways safety and traffic regulations, and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to piloting aircraft. Programs may qualify individuals to administer the FAA commercial air crew examinations.
- Schools offering
- 4
- Annual completions
- 20
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $82k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the training of pilots or navigators, to prepare them to fly and/or navigate commercial passenger and cargo, agricultural, public service, corporate and rescue aircraft, and fixed or rotary wing aircraft. Includes instruction in principles of aircraft design and performance, aircraft flight systems and controls, flight crew operations and procedures, radio communications and navigation procedures and systems, airways safety and traffic regulations, and governmental rules and regulations pertaining to piloting aircraft. Programs may qualify individuals to administer the FAA commercial air crew examinations.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers | $227k | +3.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Commercial pilots | $123k | +5.1% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$82k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$76k
Bachelor's
$84k
Top colleges for Flight Instructor
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge City Community College | Dodge City, KS | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta, ME | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Madisonville Community College | Madisonville, KY | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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