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Aerial Applicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coop FE

Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

As an Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern , you will gain practical experience operating ... State Applicator's License or willingness to obtain it. Must be able to pass a Class 3 FAA medical ...

Arbor Images

Tree Crew Leader

Burlington, WI · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Ability to remove and trim trees with a compact track aerial lift, bucket truck, climbing, and ... Pesticide Applicator License (Plant Health Care) a plus but not required. * Reliable transportation ...

Arbor Images

Tree Crew Leader

Burlington, WI

$26 - $35/hr

Ability to remove and trim trees with a compact track aerial lift, bucket truck, climbing, and ... Pesticide Applicator License (Plant Health Care) a plus but not required. * Reliable transportation ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist

Roanoke, VA

Performing ground, tree climbing, and aerial lift duties in support of specific job assignments, as ... Valid state pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain following hire date - We will pay for ...

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Aerial Applicator information

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$10

$20

$27

How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator 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 job?

An Aerial Applicator, also known as an agricultural pilot or crop duster, is responsible for applying pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments to crops from an aircraft. They help protect plants from pests, weeds, and diseases while covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Aerial Applicators must have specialized training, a pilot's license, and knowledge of agricultural chemicals and safety regulations. This job requires precision flying skills, attention to weather conditions, and strict adherence to environmental guidelines.

What are the main challenges an Aerial Applicator might encounter on the job?

Aerial Applicators often work in variable weather conditions and must navigate diverse terrains, which can make each flight unique and sometimes challenging. Managing the precise application of chemicals while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations is essential and requires constant attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with ground crews, farmers, and other agricultural professionals is a key part of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong situational awareness important qualities for long-term success in aerial application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aerial Applicator position, and why are they important?

Aerial Applicators need strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license, and a thorough understanding of agricultural science and application methods. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, spray equipment, and relevant state or federal certifications such as agricultural aviation licenses is critical. Attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential to ensure precise application, regulatory compliance, and the safety of both operator and environment.

More about Aerial Applicator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Applicator jobs are:
What states have the most Aerial Applicator jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Applicator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Applicator jobs are:
Aerial Applicator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Pilot

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Pilot

Central Garden & Pet

Daytona Beach, FL

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 68,222 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 97%

    97% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 40 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Description

****Statement to Applicants: This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****
 
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot to lead aerial operations using large-scale UAS and sUAS drones for agricultural applications, including crop spraying, mapping, and imagery collection. This is a hands-on, field-based role where your primary responsibility will be the safe, efficient, and effective flight testing of advanced drone systems in support of aircraft production from Central UAS Technologies manufacturing.  You will build strong relationships with both our software and hardware engineering teams. 
 
Central UAS Technologies, a vertical of Central Life Sciences, is dedicated to the creation of uncrewed aerial systems which have a direct positive impact on agriculture, forestry, noxious weed and public health. Our parent company is Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA); we offer an amazing educational assistance program in addition to great medical, dental, vision, which you will be eligible the first of the month following 30 days, plus free life and free disability insurance. Our 401k has a 3% match, and you are eligible day one. We also offer pet insurance and other voluntary benefits.
 
Please see our website at www.central.com for additional company information.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
As a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) test pilot, you will be responsible for all tasks associated with performing UAS Missions/Flights - such as:
  • Primary focus on flight testing production units
  • Working with software and hardware engineers to perform flight tests on new feature releases 
  • Provide regression testing on new software releases
  • Maintain detailed notes and reporting on software “bugs”
  • Coordinate flight testing with R&D team
  • When available, provide application services assistance for contract application services
  • Provide Visual Observer services to other RPICs
  • Loading UAS with water/payload for flight testing
  • Understand and provide manufacturing assembly when available, building large scale UAS from documented processes 
  • Diagnose, repair, and test UAS that are received for service   
  • Field work to support UAS application operations 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • FAA CFR Part 107 UAS pilot certificate
  • Drone piloting proficiencies with 50-100 hours of experience in verifiable flight time - fixed wing, rotor, or multirotor
  • Ability to operate and handle a truck and trailer
  • A valid U.S. state Driver’s License
  • Be able to attain the required aerial applicator license and any other license required by Federal and State of Florida legislation
 
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION 
  • 3+ years of professional, related experience
  • Prior experience operating sUAS
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as QGIS
WORK ENVIRONMENT 
  • This position is based primarily outside in all types of weather and uneven terrain
  • Applicants must be able to work around and safely handle pesticides according to product labeling
  • Physical requirements: Standing, sitting, walking and climbing on unlevel or grassy terrain, reaching. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. on a frequent basis with co-worker assistance
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications and software
  • Strong teamworking skills through collaborative problem solving 
POSITION INFORMATION 
  • This position pays $20 - $22 per hour depending on experience
 
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS: 
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave
 
****Statement to Applicants: This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****
 
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,400 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
 

Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.

What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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