How much does a Driving Instructor make?
Becoming a driving instructor can be a rewarding career choice. On average, driving instructors earn about $44,864 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the number of students they teach. Many instructors find that their earnings increase as they gain more experience and build a strong reputation in their community.
The salary range for driving instructors can be quite broad. Some instructors earn around $31,500, while others can make up to $90,000 or more. The top 10% of earners make over $84,000 annually. Factors such as the demand for driving lessons in a particular area and the instructor's ability to attract and retain students can significantly impact earnings. Many instructors also have the flexibility to set their own hours, which can be a plus for those who value work-life balance.
What are the highest paying cities for a Driving Instructor?

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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $54,082
In Chicago, teaching drivers offers a dynamic environment with diverse routes. Many job seekers find opportunities with well-known driving schools like Ace Driving School. The city's public transport and busy streets provide a rich learning experience.
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Jacksonville, FL
Average Salary: $53,308
Jacksonville presents a growing market for driving instructors. With companies like Jacksonville Driving School, professionals can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The city's expanding infrastructure offers varied teaching experiences.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $47,556
Sacramento provides a stable job market for driving instructors. Working with local schools like Capital Driving School, instructors benefit from a supportive community. The city's moderate traffic makes teaching more manageable.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $47,304
Tampa offers a vibrant setting for driving instructors. With prominent schools such as Tampa Driving Academy, professionals can thrive. The city's warm climate and scenic routes enhance the teaching experience.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $46,272
Orlando is a bustling city for driving instructors. Working with companies like Orlando Driving School, instructors enjoy a lively atmosphere. The city's theme parks and diverse roads provide unique teaching opportunities.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $46,160
Milwaukee offers a rewarding career for driving instructors. With local schools like Milwaukee Driving School, professionals can make a difference. The city's mix of urban and suburban areas offers varied teaching experiences.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $46,144
San Jose provides a tech-savvy environment for driving instructors. Working with companies like Silicon Valley Driving School, professionals can enjoy a modern setting. The city's diverse roads and traffic patterns offer rich teaching experiences.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $44,272
Santa Rosa offers a peaceful setting for driving instructors. With local schools like Sonoma Driving School, professionals can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The city's scenic routes and moderate traffic make teaching enjoyable.
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Grand Rapids, MI
Average Salary: $42,867
Grand Rapids provides a community-focused environment for driving instructors. Working with local schools like Grand Rapids Driving School, professionals can thrive. The city's mix of urban and suburban areas offers varied teaching experiences.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,841
San Diego offers a vibrant setting for driving instructors. With companies like Coastal Driving School, professionals can enjoy a beautiful climate. The city's diverse roads and scenic routes provide unique teaching opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Driving Instructor can work for?

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Holliday Rock Co., Inc
Average Salary: $100,000
Holliday Rock Co., Inc offers competitive salaries for Driving Instructors. They operate in various locations, providing comprehensive training programs. Their focus on quality education makes them a top choice for driving instructors.
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Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES
Average Salary: $86,040
Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES provides a supportive environment for Driving Instructors. They operate in multiple locations, offering diverse training opportunities. Their commitment to professional development is evident in their salary offerings.
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Roy's Driver & Rider Education
Average Salary: $70,190
Roy's Driver & Rider Education offers a good salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in several locations, providing a range of training programs. Their focus on student success reflects in their compensation for instructors.
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CDI
Average Salary: $44,553
CDI offers a decent salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in various locations, providing essential training services. Their dedication to quality education is reflected in their salary offerings.
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The Next Street
Average Salary: $42,529
The Next Street provides a fair salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of training programs. Their focus on student achievement is evident in their compensation for instructors.
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All Star Driver Education
Average Salary: $41,592
All Star Driver Education offers a competitive salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in several locations, providing quality training programs. Their commitment to professional growth is reflected in their salary offerings.
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AAA Auto Club Enterprises
Average Salary: $41,550
AAA Auto Club Enterprises offers a good salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in various locations, providing a range of training programs. Their focus on quality education is evident in their compensation for instructors.
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Coastline Academy
Average Salary: $41,367
Coastline Academy provides a fair salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in multiple locations, offering essential training services. Their dedication to professional development is reflected in their salary offerings.
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Official Driving School
Average Salary: $41,234
Official Driving School offers a decent salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in several locations, providing a range of training programs. Their focus on student success is evident in their compensation for instructors.
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Top Driver
Average Salary: $39,060
Top Driver provides a fair salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in multiple locations, offering a range of training programs. Their commitment to quality education is reflected in their salary offerings.
How to earn more as a Driving Instructor?
Becoming a successful driving instructor can lead to a rewarding career. It also offers the potential to earn more over time. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors. Each one plays a role in increasing your income and job satisfaction.
First, gaining more experience helps instructors earn more. As you teach more students, you become more skilled. This allows you to handle different situations better. Experienced instructors often command higher rates. They also attract more students through referrals. Second, obtaining additional certifications can boost earnings. Specializing in areas like defensive driving or commercial vehicle instruction can set you apart. It can also allow you to charge more for your services. Third, building a strong reputation is crucial. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can lead to more business. This can result in higher income and job stability.
Fourth, expanding your teaching hours can increase earnings. Offering evening or weekend classes can attract more students. This can lead to more income opportunities. Finally, investing in marketing can help grow your business. Using social media, local ads, and partnerships with schools can reach more potential students. This can lead to a steady stream of new clients and higher earnings.
By focusing on these factors, driving instructors can enhance their skills and income. This leads to a more successful and fulfilling career.