Flight instructor salary

Working as a Flight Instructor

Flight instructors play a central role in aviation education, where they are responsible for training future pilots. Their main task is to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to safely operate an aircraft. Flight instructors teach everything from basic flight maneuvers to advanced navigation and instrument flying. They often work both in classrooms and in flight simulators, and of course, in the air.

Education and Qualifications

To become a flight instructor, one must have a valid pilot's license and a specific instructor rating. This means that one must first undergo comprehensive pilot training, followed by additional training to be able to teach others. Flight instructor courses are available at several flight schools and training centers, and they include both theoretical and practical components.

Salary for Flight Instructors

What does a Flight Instructor earn? The average salary for a flight instructor is 71 200 SEK per month. Men in the profession earn slightly more, with an average salary of 71 300 SEK. However, there is not yet enough data to determine the average salary for women in the profession. The hourly rate for a flight instructor working on an hourly basis averages 428 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Development

There has been a slight decrease in the average salary since the last measurement, from the previous 74 400 SEK to the current 71 200 SEK. This could be due to several factors, including market changes and demand for flight instructors.

Range of Salaries

The highest recorded salary for a flight instructor is 97,800 SEK, held by a man in the public sector with a maximum two-year vocational education. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest salary for a woman is 58,100 SEK and for a man is 58,200 SEK. The highest known salary for a woman in the profession is 61,700 SEK.

Working Conditions and Opportunities

The work environment for a flight instructor can vary depending on the employer and the students' needs. Many instructors work for private flight schools or airlines, and the hours can often be irregular depending on weather conditions and aircraft availability. It is important to be able to adapt to different work schedules and to have a strong safety awareness.

Future Outlook

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific assessment of the future outlook for flight instructors, which may be due to limited data. The profession is included in the broader category of "Pilots and related professions," making it difficult to predict demand accurately. However, with increasing interest in the aviation industry and the need for new pilots, there may be opportunities for growth in the field.

Benefits and Challenges

Flight instructors may sometimes benefit from perks such as access to flight simulators and discounted air travel. Challenges in the profession, however, may include high safety requirements and stress tolerance, especially in situations where one needs to handle emergencies or inexperienced students.

Key Aspects for Aspiring Flight Instructors

For those considering becoming a flight instructor, it is important to have a passion for aviation and teaching. One should also be prepared to continuously update their knowledge and skills in both aviation technology and pedagogy.

• Valid pilot's license and instructor rating required
• Strong safety mindset and stress tolerance are important
• Ability to work irregular hours
• Continuous education and development