How CFIs get paid.
 

This is a question that a fellow co-worker and I have. We want a rough idea as to about how many CFIs work as an employee versus a independent contractor? (I consider an employee someone who has their employer deducting taxes and an independent contractor is someone who pays self-employment taxes or freelances.) The number of CFIs on this site should be a good sample size. This is not for a school project or research, just fun.

Some people prefer dealing with one type of business method over another. I just was curious about this topic.

What boat are you guys in?


Point

re:
 

I am currently an employee for a part 61 flight school and get paid an hourly wage per instruction hour. I had to fill out a tax form and get taxes, SS, medicare taken out of my checks every month.

I have been in different pay situations in the past and this is by far the best for me. However, I don't do this for a living, just for fun.

Independent...

I have done both, as an employee and as an independent contractor.

I preferred the latter. The guy I worked for withheld government taxes from my paycheck, but I found out later he kept all the money for himself.

When I worked as a CFI, I was employed as a full-time, but paid contract basis. They did take out taxes and sent me a W2

We get paid poorly, thats how. But it's not a job, it's a hobby you get paid for. When someone pays you to fly them around, then it will be a job.

I very much disagree with this statement. True being a CFI is not the highest paying job around but to state that is a pure hobby is inaccurate. As a full-time flight instructor I do consider myself a professional and conduct myself in that manner. Having had other traditional "real jobs" I could see how some people may consider it a hobby, but remember the student is paying often times good money for you to be there, it is your duty to provide them with quality, efficient instruction.

plus, most hobbies are almost always fun....it's not always fun 'saving' the student and yourself on occasion!...Flight Instruction is a profession,,,tell your local FSDO its a hobby and see how fast the 709 letter hits your mail box!

I work for a Part 141 school as a CFI. Paid for the time I am with a student providing instruction (oral, flight, sim, pre-/post-brief).

I very much agree. "Professional" refers to an attitude, not a pay scale.