What are some of the best schools to work as a CFI in terms of building hours quickly (bonus if they pay well)? I've read numerous threads where users mention schools that train foreign students which enable CFIs to build hours quickly. What schools are those?

Also, how much can you expect to make as a CFI at this point?

Honestly, U.S Aviation Academy in Texas is pretty solid. Great working conditions, aircraft, and very organized. They have a few bases, I think the guys that take the Sherman, Tx base get way more hours than the guys in Denton. Training foreign pilots is the way to go when it comes to building hours.

Falcon Aviation Academy in Newnan, GA trains mainly Chinese students. We have over 60 aircraft in our fleet and a maintenance facility on site. Currently our instructors are averaging over 100 hours per month and pay rates are very competitive. We have a $5,000 signing bonus at the moment. Feel free to message me with any further questions you have.

Take a look at Transpac Academy and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Both are offering bonuses.

I only know people who worked there -- I did not myself. But all I've ever heard is questionable maintenance, old planes, etc. Just an opposing view...

Both of these are probably solid choices.

You'll hear mixed reviews on Transpac -- keep in mind you'll be "salaried" there, which was probably a solid deal in 2008-2012, but nowadays with all the CFI demand, no way. Why do that when you can get all the hours you want elsewhere?

I hear good things about CAE -- pay and otherwise.

Don't forget about UND - Mesa/Phoenix. Pretty good benefits/pay once you get additional ratings (which they will pay for, with conditions). Safe operation, lots of hours. Chinese contracts.

Is there a contract? $21/hr for CFI/I seems low in this market (especially if it's a fixed rate with no growth)

It looks like CAE pay is also salaried based on the recent postings. Maybe the salaried pay is still good?

There is a contract and that is just starting pay. You'll increase your pay rate if you have your MEI, every 500 of dual given and every 6 months of employment among other things. Bonuses are also given for first time passes and having students complete the curriculum within the allotted time. We've also had a competition between instructors the last three months with the CFI who has flown the most hours in each month receiving a $1,000 bonus and the overall winner an additional $1,000.

Mx is very solid. Yeah the planes are definitely on the older side, but the Chinese relentlessly beat them up, which is why I would assume the company doesn't get newer ones. My guess is those opinions may have also come from ATP guys who flew planes with like 10 hours on the frame or something.