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Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience). * Schedule ... aerial systems (UAS) industry.

Aerial Applicator Pilot information

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$10

$20

$27

How much do aerial applicator pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator pilot in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial applicator pilot?

Aerial applicator pilots, often called crop dusters, are specialized pilots who operate aircraft to apply pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, or other substances to agricultural fields from the air. They play a crucial role in modern farming by helping to protect crops from pests and diseases, improve yields, and efficiently manage large tracts of farmland. This job requires advanced piloting skills, knowledge of agricultural chemicals, and a keen awareness of safety and environmental regulations. Aerial applicators must also be licensed and follow strict guidelines to ensure safe and effective applications.

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

To thrive as an Aerial Applicator Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, specialized training in agricultural aviation, and a thorough understanding of crop science and application techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation, aerial application equipment, and safety management systems is critical. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and communication skills help ensure safe and accurate application while coordinating with ground crews and clients. These skills are essential to maximize efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in delivering agricultural products from the air.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial applicator pilots during a typical spraying season?

Aerial Applicator Pilots often contend with variable weather conditions, such as wind and temperature shifts, which can impact the effectiveness and safety of chemical application. Navigating low-altitude flights over uneven terrain or near obstacles like power lines requires constant vigilance and precise flying skills. Additionally, pilots must carefully coordinate with ground crews and landowners to ensure compliance with regulations and to minimize drift or exposure to non-target areas. Maintaining and monitoring specialized equipment is also a routine responsibility, along with adhering to strict safety protocols.

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

AspectAerial Applicator PilotCrop Duster Pilot
CertificationsFAA pilot license, agricultural aircraft certificationFAA pilot license, agricultural aircraft certification
Work EnvironmentFarms, orchards, crop fields during spraying seasonsFarms, crop fields, often in rural areas
Employer & IndustryAgricultural companies, crop dusting servicesFarming operations, crop dusting companies

Both Aerial Applicator Pilots and Crop Duster Pilots require similar certifications and work in agricultural environments. The main difference is that 'Crop Duster Pilot' is a more specific term often used interchangeably, but 'Aerial Applicator Pilot' emphasizes the role of applying pesticides or fertilizers. They typically perform similar duties within the agricultural industry.

More about Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Aerial Applicator Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

MC Aerial Operations Specialist

Brevard County

Titusville, FL • On-site

$23.86 - $26.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Brevard County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department:Mosquito Control Department

Organizational Unit:Countywide Mosquito Control

Position Type:Permanent Full Time/Part Time:Full Time

Open Until Filled.

$23.86 to $26.25 hourly. Actual salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications. North Area/Titusville/Travels Countywide. Work schedule is Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Performs skilled technical work conducting mosquito surveillance, larval treatment applications, biological control, aerial program support, and adulticide and herbicide operations. Work involves participating in operations utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones; support of manned aerial surveillance, larvicide, adulticide, environmental management, aquatic weed, and wildland firefighting support operations, including the operation of related vehicles and equipment; assisting with aircraft maintenance, repair, and support of aerial program safety; and maintaining airworthiness of the manned and unmanned aerial fleet. May provide oversight to support crews and other technical employees.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, Aviation Technology, or a closely related field, which includes experience operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones; OR successful completion of two (2) years of college coursework in Environmental Science, Aviation Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field PLUS three (3) years of combined experience in mosquito control or a closely related field, equipment or vehicle maintenance, electronics or electrical repair, computer hardware or software systems, and/or outdoor field work, which includes experience operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones; OR five (5) years of experience in mosquito control or a closely related field, equipment or vehicle maintenance, electronics or electrical repair, computer hardware or software systems, and/or outdoor field work which includes experience operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones. Additional qualifying education and/or experience may be substituted on a year for year basis. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess, or obtain prior to employment, a valid Florida driver's license and maintain said license during the term of employment. All candidates selected for an interview must successfully complete a practical small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Level 1 Basic Proficiency evaluation, based on National Institute of Standards and Technology UAS test methods, in order to move to the next step of the selection process. Must possess, a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (drone) license, issued in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and maintain said license during the term of employment. Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid State of Florida Public Health Pest Control license, issued in accordance with Florida Statute 388 and 5E-13, Florida Administrative Code, and maintain said license during the term of employment. Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid State of Florida Aquatic Pest Control license, Category 5A, issued in accordance with Florida Statute 487, and maintain said license during the term of employment. Must possess, or obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid State of Florida Aerial Pesticide Applicator or Aerial Herbicide Applicator license, issued in accordance with Florida Statute 388 or 487 and maintain said license during the term of employment. Must attend within eighteen (18) months of employment, the Introduction to Mosquito Control class offered by the Florida Mosquito Control Association at the annual Dodd Short. Must be physically capable at all times of properly wearing and utilizing all required personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include respiratory protection. Must be able to work overtime and extended hours during peak season, mosquito outbreaks, and wildfires, including irregular schedules and nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary. In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

(With or without reasonable accommodations)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES / TRAITS

  1. The employee must be able to:
    • LIFT:40 lbs.
    • CARRY:40 lbs.
    • PUSH:40 lbs.
    • PULL:40 lbs.
  2. In an eight hour day, the employee may have to:
    • STAND:5 - 8 hours
    • WALK:5 - 8 hours
    • SIT:3 - 5 hours
    • DRIVE:5 - 8 hours
  3. The employee must repetitively perform:
    • Fine manipulation (ex. writing, wiring); Pulling; Pushing; Simple grasping (ex. pen, screwdriver)
  4. The employee must be able to:
    • Bend; Climb; Jump; Kneel; Reach; Smell; Stoop
  5. The employee must have:
    • Color Perception; Good distant vision; Good hearing; Good near vision; Good speech; Use of both eyes
  6. Other necessary physical activities/traits
    • N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS

  1. Working conditionsthat will apply to the employee:
    • At heights above/below ground level; Below ground level (ditches, tunnels, etc.; In cold; In dampness or chilly conditions; In heat; In high humidity; In or with dusty conditions; In or with moving objects or vehicles; In or with noisy conditions; On or with ladders or scaffolding; On slippery or uneven walking surfaces; With chemicals or solvents; With feet, legs or hands in water; With hazardous materials; With lawn grasses, plants, etc.; With odors; Work alone; Work inside; Work outside; Works Closely with Others
  2. Other working conditions:
    • N/A

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