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Aerial Application Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

City of Henderson, KY

Lateral Firefighter

Henderson, KY · On-site

$53K/yr

... APPLICATION. Must be currently employed as a full-time career Firefighter with another fire ... aerial apparatus, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire hose, and related equipment; inspects ...

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Aerial Application information

See Kentucky salary details

$14

$45

$73

How much do aerial application jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial application in Kentucky is $45.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.73 and $52.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerial Application vs Crop Duster Pilot?

AspectAerial ApplicationCrop Duster Pilot
CertificationsFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certificationFAA pilot license, pesticide applicator certification
Work EnvironmentSpraying crops from aircraft, often in rural areasFlying crop-dusting aircraft, often in agricultural fields
Industry UsageUsed by agricultural companies for crop treatmentTypically refers to pilots performing aerial application tasks

Both roles involve flying aircraft to apply pesticides or fertilizers to crops. Aerial Application is a broad term encompassing various crop-spraying activities, while Crop Duster Pilot specifically describes pilots operating aircraft for crop dusting. The skills, certifications, and work environments are similar, making these terms often interchangeable in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial applicator?

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator, you need a commercial pilot's license, strong knowledge of agricultural chemicals, and compliance with relevant aviation and pesticide regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial spraying equipment, and safety procedures is essential. Attention to detail, strong decision-making, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and accurate application. These competencies are vital for protecting crops, ensuring safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance in agricultural aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial applicators and how can they be managed on the job?

Aerial applicators often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, managing precise application rates, and ensuring safety while operating aircraft over agricultural fields. Adapting to weather requires flexibility and close monitoring of forecasts, while accuracy is maintained through advanced GPS and mapping technologies. Safety is addressed through rigorous training, adherence to regulations, and regular maintenance of equipment. Staying proactive about these factors helps aerial applicators perform their duties efficiently and safely.

What is aerial application?

Aerial application, also known as crop dusting, is the process of applying fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, or other substances to crops using aircraft. This method allows for efficient and timely treatment of large agricultural areas, especially in regions that are difficult to access by ground equipment. Pilots who perform aerial application must be specially trained and certified to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Aerial application plays a crucial role in modern agriculture by helping to maximize crop yields and manage pests or diseases.
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Application jobs in Kentucky? For Aerial Application jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Application jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Application jobs in Kentucky are:
Aerial Application jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Application job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,095 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Supervisory Program Specialist (Unmanned aerial Systems)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Richmond, KY

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for mission support to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is with the Blue Grass Army Depot located at Richmond, Kentucky. This position serves as the Supervisory Program Specialist (Unmanned Aerial Systems), managing the Blue Grass Army Depot UAS Innovation Hub and overseeing UAS testing andcertification.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes Ensuring Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) policies are met; Recommending improvements for future projects by reviewing technical data; and Creating project plans for Unmanned Aerial System. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12)
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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