Flight instructor vs master instructor

The differences between flight instructors and master instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a flight instructor and a master instructor. Additionally, a master instructor has an average salary of $56,520, which is higher than the $51,324 average annual salary of a flight instructor.

The top three skills for a flight instructor include aircraft systems, syllabus and CFI. The most important skills for a master instructor are instructional techniques, safety procedures, and course materials.

Flight instructor vs master instructor overview

	Flight Instructor	Master Instructor
Yearly salary	$51,324	$56,520
Hourly rate	$24.68	$27.17
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	25,735	32,808
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

Flight instructor vs master instructor salary

Flight instructors and master instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Flight Instructor	Master Instructor
Average salary	$51,324	$56,520
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $80,000	Between $33,000 And $94,000
Highest paying City	Atwater, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Cirrus Aircraft	New York Institute of Technology
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between flight instructor and master instructor education

There are a few differences between a flight instructor and a master instructor in terms of educational background:

	Flight Instructor	Master Instructor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Aviation	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Flight instructor vs master instructor demographics

Here are the differences between flight instructors' and master instructors' demographics:

	Flight Instructor	Master Instructor
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1%	Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 11.4% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between flight instructor and master instructor duties and responsibilities

Flight instructor example responsibilities.

Manage the daily maintenance efforts for 9 P-3C aircraft to meet short and long range flight tasking.
Manage and monitor all flight systems and electrical in-flight avionics of various commercial aircraft equipment types.
Conduct training using, CBT, stand-up lectures, PowerPoint, Wicat 2D FMS, and FTD trainers.
Diagnose, troubleshoot malfunctions and perform extensive maintenance operational checks on all systems.
Create and maintain training records for USAF students.
Maintain relationships with both local DPE's and FBO managers.

Master instructor example responsibilities.

Lead a team of 10 instructors; provide basic classroom instruction and practical hands-on firefighting instruction training.
Work on the range as a RSO.
Track all require FAA training documents.
Conduct PSS missions as assigned per RSO on site.
Lead BSIS firearms instructor and NRA pistol and shotgun instructor.
Research, interpret, analyze and apply DOD policies and regulations.

Flight instructor vs master instructor skills

Common flight instructor skills

Aircraft Systems, 9%
Syllabus, 8%
CFI, 8%
Flight Operations, 6%
Training Programs, 5%
PowerPoint, 5%

Common master instructor skills

Instructional Techniques, 12%
Safety Procedures, 12%
Course Materials, 10%
Curriculum Development, 8%
Training Courses, 7%
Training Sessions, 5%

Flight Instructor vs. similar jobs

Flight Instructor related careers

Flight Instructor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Education, Training, and Library Industry
Flight Instructor
Flight Instructor vs Master Instructor

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse education, training, and library jobs