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How much does a Driving Instructor make?

The average salary for a Driving Instructor is $45,669 per year in the US.

Becoming a driving instructor can be a rewarding career choice. The average yearly salary for this profession stands at $45,669. This income can vary based on experience and location. Many driving instructors earn between $30,000 and $84,545 per year.

Different levels of experience lead to different pay ranges. Beginners might start around $30,000. Those with several years of experience can earn up to $84,545 annually. Factors like location and the number of students taught also influence earnings. Some areas have higher demand for driving instructors, which can increase salaries. Working with more students each week can also boost income.

View Driving Instructor jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Driving Instructor?

Driving instructors can find some of the best pay in Phoenix, AZ, where they earn an average of $61,636 per year. Seattle, WA, offers a close second, with instructors earning around $56,951 annually. Other top-paying cities include San Francisco, CA, and Chicago, IL, with average salaries of $52,693 and $52,493, respectively. Cities like Syracuse, NY, Tampa, FL, and Sacramento, CA, also offer good compensation for driving instructors. Instructors in these cities earn around $50,818, $50,128, and $48,154 per year, respectively. Job seekers should consider these options for a well-paying career in driving instruction.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Driving Instructor jobs, highlighting Phoenix, AZ with the highest at $61,636 and Milwaukee, WI with the lowest at $43,709.
  1. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $61,636
    In Phoenix, instructors can find work with local driving schools and by self-employment. The sunny weather makes for ideal learning conditions. Companies like Ace Driving School and AAA offer opportunities.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,951
    Seattle provides a mix of city and suburban driving lessons. Instructors can work with companies like Seattle Driving School. The city’s layout offers diverse driving experiences.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $52,693
    San Francisco’s hilly terrain makes driving here unique and challenging. Instructors can find work with Bay Area Driving School. The experience with hills and traffic is unmatched.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $52,493
    Chicago offers a variety of driving environments, from city streets to expressways. Companies like Chicago Driving School provide ample opportunities. The city’s size offers many students.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $50,818
    Syracuse provides a mix of urban and rural driving. Instructors can find work with local driving schools. The city’s weather can offer interesting driving conditions.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Syracuse, NY


  6. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $50,128
    Tampa’s warm climate makes for pleasant driving lessons. Instructors can find opportunities with local driving schools and by self-employment. The area’s beaches offer scenic routes.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Tampa, FL


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $48,154
    Sacramento offers a mix of city driving and open roads. Instructors can find work with Capital Driving School. The city’s layout provides varied driving experiences.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $47,416
    San Jose’s tech-focused environment provides unique driving lessons. Instructors can work with local driving schools. The area’s traffic can be both a challenge and an opportunity.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $45,704
    Lansing offers a mix of urban and suburban driving. Instructors can find work with local driving schools. The city’s layout provides a good variety of driving conditions.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Lansing, MI


  10. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $43,709
    Milwaukee offers diverse driving experiences, from city streets to lakes. Instructors can find work with local driving schools. The city’s layout and weather provide varied conditions.
    Find Driving Instructor jobs in Milwaukee, WI

What are the best companies a Driving Instructor can work for?

Companies like Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES and Roy's Driver & Rider Education offer top salaries for Driving Instructor positions. These companies value experienced instructors and provide competitive pay. Drivers looking for a good salary may find success at these institutions. Additionally, firms such as Transdev, CDI, and The Next Street also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies recognize the importance of skilled instructors and reflect it in their salary structures. Securing a role with one of these firms can lead to a stable and rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Driving Instructor jobs, highlighting Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES with the highest at $86,193 and Safeway Driving School with the lowest at $37,923.
  1. Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES
    Average Salary: $86,193
    Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES offers competitive salaries for Driving Instructors. They operate in New York and provide a supportive environment. They focus on quality training and professional growth.


  2. Roy's Driver & Rider Education
    Average Salary: $70,778
    Roy's Driver & Rider Education offers a rewarding experience with attractive salaries. They operate in Pennsylvania and emphasize a nurturing teaching approach. Instructors get to work in a dynamic setting.


  3. Transdev
    Average Salary: $58,941
    Transdev provides a stable salary for Driving Instructors. They have a presence across the United States. They focus on safety and efficiency in driving education. Instructors benefit from a structured program.


  4. CDI
    Average Salary: $46,000
    CDI offers a decent salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in multiple locations across the country. They value experience and provide ongoing training opportunities. Instructors work in a professional environment.


  5. The Next Street
    Average Salary: $43,618
    The Next Street provides a competitive salary for Driving Instructors. They are located in California. They focus on innovative teaching methods. Instructors enjoy a collaborative work culture.


  6. Official Driving School
    Average Salary: $42,606
    Official Driving School offers a fair salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in New Jersey and emphasize thorough training. Instructors benefit from a supportive community.


  7. All Star Driver Education
    Average Salary: $40,857
    All Star Driver Education provides a balanced salary for Driving Instructors. They are located in Colorado and value professionalism. Instructors get to work in a positive setting.


  8. Coastline Academy
    Average Salary: $39,201
    Coastline Academy offers a reasonable salary for Driving Instructors. They operate in Florida and focus on student success. Instructors benefit from a structured teaching environment.


  9. Safeway Driving School
    Average Salary: $37,923
    Safeway Driving School provides a fair salary for Driving Instructors. They are located in Arizona and emphasize safety. Instructors enjoy a supportive and professional atmosphere.

How to earn more as a Driving Instructor?

Aspiring driving instructors can find various ways to increase their earnings. One key approach involves gaining certifications and licenses. The more specialized the certification, the higher the potential earning power. For instance, holding an ADI Part 3 certificate can lead to more opportunities and higher pay. Similarly, obtaining a Passenger Vehicle Instructor (PVI) qualification opens up more avenues for teaching.

Another effective strategy is expanding the range of services offered. Many driving instructors limit themselves to just teaching new drivers. However, earning more requires offering additional services such as refresher courses, advanced driving lessons, or even specialized training for commercial vehicle operators. Diversifying services can attract a broader client base, leading to higher earnings.

In addition to certifications and services, marketing plays a crucial role in boosting income. A well-crafted online presence can attract more students. Utilizing social media platforms, creating a professional website, and engaging in local community events can help reach more potential students. Effective marketing ensures that the instructor remains visible and top of mind for those in need of driving lessons.

Investing in professional development is another factor. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest teaching methods and traffic laws can improve teaching quality. High-quality instruction often commands higher fees. Attending workshops, seminars, and online courses can enhance an instructor’s skills and marketability.

Lastly, creating a good reputation is vital. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly impact earnings. Satisfied students are more likely to pay higher rates and refer others. Building a strong reputation involves providing excellent service, being punctual, and maintaining a friendly demeanor.

  1. Obtain specialized certifications and licenses.
  2. Expand the range of services offered.
  3. Invest in effective marketing strategies.
  4. Commit to ongoing professional development.
  5. Build a strong reputation and gather positive reviews.

Currently 279 Driving Instructor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Driving Instructor in the US?

Learn what a Driving Instructor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Driving Instructor today.
Position
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Driving Instructor
279 Job Openings