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Pilot instructor vs private pilot

The differences between pilot instructors and private pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a pilot instructor and a private pilot. Additionally, a private pilot has an average salary of $100,673, which is higher than the $90,143 average annual salary of a pilot instructor.

The top three skills for a pilot instructor include FAA, simulator and instructor pilot. The most important skills for a private pilot are FAA, pilot license, and single engine.

Pilot instructor vs private pilot overview

Pilot InstructorPrivate Pilot
Yearly salary$90,143$100,673
Hourly rate$43.34$48.40
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs26,9785,013
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Pilot instructor vs private pilot salary

Pilot instructors and private pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pilot InstructorPrivate Pilot
Average salary$90,143$100,673
Salary rangeBetween $60,000 And $133,000Between $74,000 And $135,000
Highest paying CityTrenton, NJ-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyOBXtek-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between pilot instructor and private pilot education

There are a few differences between a pilot instructor and a private pilot in terms of educational background:

Pilot InstructorPrivate Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleStanford University

Pilot instructor vs private pilot demographics

Here are the differences between pilot instructors' and private pilots' demographics:

Pilot InstructorPrivate Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 93.5% Female, 6.5%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between pilot instructor and private pilot duties and responsibilities

Pilot instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage a wide variety of stock, including ammunition and high-value items.
  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Single pilot IFR certify SA-365.
  • Perform air refueling, airlift, navigation, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
  • Specialize in teaching instrument skills to experience clients seeking additional certification such as ATP.
  • Ensure quality, delivery, budget and environmental objectives are met and fulfill HQ directions.
    • Show more

Private pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Complete FAA certify private private pilot training.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Ferry and sightseeing flights done at request of management in accordance with 14 CFR part 91.

Pilot instructor vs private pilot skills

Common pilot instructor skills
  • FAA, 12%
  • Simulator, 11%
  • Instructor Pilot, 7%
  • Aircraft Systems, 6%
  • DOD, 6%
  • Pilot-In-Command, 6%
Common private pilot skills
  • FAA, 59%
  • Pilot License, 31%
  • Single Engine, 10%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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