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Aerial Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Image Engineering

Technical Lead, Aerial Drones

MD · On-site

The Technical Lead / Drone Pilot will be responsible for the pre-deployment preparation, technical execution, flight operations, and onsite leadership of synchronized aerial drone light shows. This ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Seattle, WA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

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How much do aerial drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial drone in the United States is $26.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Aerial Drone job?

An Aerial Drone job involves operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes, such as photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, or delivery. Drone operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, and public safety. Responsibilities include piloting drones, capturing data or footage, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Some roles require specialized certifications or training, depending on the industry.

Is drone flying a good career?

Aerial drone operation is a growing field with opportunities in industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires skills in piloting, knowledge of regulations, and often certification. The career can offer flexible schedules and the chance to work in diverse environments, but income varies based on experience and specialization.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Aerial Drone Operator?

Aerial Drone Operators are responsible for planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight inspections, and piloting drones to capture aerial imagery or data for various applications such as surveying, agriculture, or real estate. They also analyze collected data, ensure compliance with local regulations, and maintain drone equipment. Operators often collaborate with project managers, surveyors, or clients to meet specific objectives and provide accurate deliverables. Staying up-to-date with new drone technologies and best practices is also a key part of this role.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial cinematography, inspection, or surveying in industries like oil and gas, construction, or agriculture. These positions often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and the ability to operate high-end drone equipment, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

How much do NFL drone pilots make?

NFL drone pilots typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drone operations. Salaries can vary widely, and many pilots work freelance or on a contract basis for specific events or broadcasts, often requiring certifications and specialized skills in aerial filming and safety protocols.

Can I get a job flying drones?

Aerial drone operators or drone pilots can find jobs in industries such as photography, surveying, agriculture, and inspection. These roles typically require certification, knowledge of FAA or relevant regulations, and proficiency with drone controls and safety procedures.

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

To thrive as an Aerial Drone Operator, you need expertise in drone piloting, a solid understanding of airspace regulations, and relevant technical qualifications such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (in the U.S.). Familiarity with drone software, GPS navigation systems, and data collection or imaging technologies is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities help operators ensure mission success and safe collaboration with teams or clients. These skills are vital for maintaining safety, achieving precise results, and adapting to varied operational environments.

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What cities are hiring for Aerial Drone jobs? Cities with the most Aerial Drone job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Drone jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Drone jobs are:
What states have the most Aerial Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Drone jobs include:
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Aerial Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Drone job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,140 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Kermit, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in a Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) role to assist and execute drone-based data collection missions focused on aerial mapping data, leak detection data, and other hyper-spectral payload data, primarily on Arch Aerial's customers' energy assets in West Texas and New Mexico. Travel will be required from time to time.
The candidate should expect a majority of in-field work operating unmanned aerial systems. In-field work will be in industrial applications with West Texas (hot) conditions in the summer, and West Texas (cold) conditions in the winter, which are physically demanding.
This is an entry level position with immediate opportunities for training, however previous experience with the DJI M300/M350 specifically, and DJI aircraft in general, are a huge advantage to a candidate. Those with previous experience using leak detection equipment for methane scouting are also highly encouraged to apply.
Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems field are appropriate candidates, however skills and requirements are listed further below, and preference will be given to those with the skills listed as primary and secondary traits. Integrity and organizational skills are highly valued (more so than a specific educational degree). This is a full-time position.
FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) will be responsible for:
Primary Duties
  • Assisting (the Operations Manager, Western Region) with the daily collection of drone-based aerial mapping (visible spectrum), drone-based aerial leak detection (methane laser), and drone-based aerial hyper-spectral data (OGI and other payloads).
  • Conducting UAS (drone) operations at construction sites, pipeline right of ways, pump stations, refineries, well pads, and other facilities.
  • Daily and monthly maintenance of drone and ground based equipment, and vehicles.
  • Assisting with daily compiling of inspection reports.
  • Assisting Jr. Data Technicians or Jr. UAS Pilots in the same region. These Jr. Data Technicians and Jr. UAS Pilots will assist both the West Texas region, but also overflow for data from other regions in times of high demand.
  • Assisting with creation, measurement, and delivery any additional reporting.
  • The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) applying for this position will also be required from time to time, to assist with daily data delivery for overflow data collected at other regions of the company's operational footprint.
  • Driving to and on Arch Aerial's customers' assets on relevant projects.
  • Assist with Arch Aerial LLC data management initiatives for current work and archival strategies.
  • Being a constant ambassador and sales-minded representative of the company when interacting with peers, other operators, or other service companies in the field.
  • Being a safety-minded operator that protects their own individual safety and the integrity of the equipment they are operating.

Requirements
Primary Requirements:
  • Adobe Acrobat Proficiency
  • Dropbox Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Windows and Mac OS Proficiency
  • Safety-Minded Attitude
  • Ability and willingness to travel beyond West Texas and NM from time to time.

Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement (current)

Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)
  • DJI M300 Piloting Experience
  • OGI Certification
  • TWIC Card (current)
  • Thermographer I Certification
  • Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
  • Adobe Premiere Proficiency
  • Adobe After Effects Proficiency
  • Ground Photography Proficiency

The ideal candidate will also possess the following character traits:
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Self - starter willing to develop and suggest improvements to process and method to managers when they observe such opportunities.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to create materials that communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively.

Training Opportunities
  • Although candidates with the Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train, and test for the Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement if not already held.
  • Although candidates with DJI M300 series experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M300 series experience if not already held.
  • OQ Certification.
  • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
  • Cloud data management.
  • Photogrammetry.
  • LiDAR

Benefits
Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company with the required amount of time prior to October 1, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Additional details provided upon interview.

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