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Aerial Mapping Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud-based GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online. * Manage, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets, ensuring ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud-based GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online. * Manage, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets, ensuring ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud-based GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online. * Manage, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets, ensuring ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Seattle, WA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

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Aerial Mapping Drone information

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How much do aerial mapping drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial mapping drone in the United States is $31.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial mapping drone?

Aerial mapping drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras and sensors used to capture high-resolution images and data of the Earth's surface from above. These drones are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, construction, mining, and environmental monitoring to create detailed maps, 3D models, and surveys. They offer a faster, safer, and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional manned aircraft or ground-based surveying methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial mapping drone operator?

To thrive as an Aerial Mapping Drone Operator, you need proficiency in drone piloting, spatial data collection, and a background in geography, surveying, or a related field, often supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Experience with GIS software, photogrammetry tools, and drone flight planning systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills set top operators apart. These competencies ensure accurate data capture, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with project teams.

What is the difference between Aerial Mapping Drone vs Aerial Survey Technician?

AspectAerial Mapping DroneAerial Survey Technician
Required CredentialsDrone pilot certification, GIS knowledgeSurveying license, GIS certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote locations, using dronesOutdoor, fieldwork with surveying equipment
Industry UsageMapping, construction, agricultureLand surveying, infrastructure projects

While both roles involve aerial data collection, an Aerial Mapping Drone operator primarily uses drones equipped with mapping technology to capture aerial imagery, whereas an Aerial Survey Technician conducts ground-based or aerial surveys using traditional equipment. The drone role emphasizes remote piloting and GIS integration, while the technician focuses on precise measurements and data analysis. Both are essential in geospatial projects but differ in tools and certification requirements.

What does an aerial mapping drone operator do?

As an aerial mapping drone operator, your daily tasks often include preparing flight plans, conducting pre-flight equipment checks, and coordinating with project managers or surveyors to understand mapping objectives. After flying missions, you’ll process and analyze collected data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with safety regulations. Collaboration with GIS specialists, engineers, and other team members is common to deliver high-quality mapping results. Staying updated on airspace regulations and maintaining drone equipment are also important responsibilities.
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What job categories do people searching Aerial Mapping Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Mapping Drone jobs are:
Aerial Mapping Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Mapping Drone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,035 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Land Surveyor RLS - Experienced RLS w/ Drone

COOPER AERIAL SURVEYS CO

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Land Surveyor | RLS w/Drone License – Phoenix, AZ (Full-Time)

Cooper Aerial Surveys is an Arizona-based aerial mapping and land surveying firm seeking an experienced Registered Land Surveyor (RLS) with drone/UAS experience to join our Phoenix team. This is a full-time, in-office/field position for someone who knows their way around real projects, can operate independently, and takes pride in doing things right.

This role involves fieldwork and project support on ALTA, Topographic, Construction Staking, Boundary, and aerial mapping projects. The ideal candidate is comfortable both in the field and around technology — including drone operations, survey equipment, and coordination with project teams. You’ll often work independently but also collaborate with crews, pilots, CAD staff, and clients. We’re looking for someone reliable, professional, and easy to work with — competence and attitude both matter here.

Requirements

  • Active Arizona Registered Land Surveyor (RLS) license preferred (or ability to obtain Arizona reciprocity)
  • FAA Part 107 Drone License required
  • 5+ years of land surveying field experience
  • 3+ years flying Drones for survey work
  • Experience with drone/UAS data collection and mission planning
  • Ability to communicate clearly with superintendents, contractors, clients, and project teams
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D (required)
  • Trimble Business Center experience is a plus
  • Strong understanding of land surveying techniques, principles, boundary law, and survey standards
  • Experience operating GPS, robotic total stations, and related survey equipment
  • Proven work history, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage your own work
  • Having your own equipment is a plus (if compatible with our resources)

Equipment & Training

Cooper Aerial uses Trimble robotic and GPS equipment along with drone/UAS platforms for aerial mapping and data collection. Experience with Trimble workflows, photogrammetry, LiDAR, or aerial mapping is a plus, but we’re willing to train the right person with a strong surveying background and willingness to learn.

Company Description

Cooper Aerial Surveys Co has been setting the standard in mapping and land surveying since 1966. We’re a client-focused firm known for delivering accurate, high-quality work on complex projects—and doing it consistently. Our team of 40+ professionals across multiple locations nationwide includes some of the most skilled and experienced people in the aerial mapping and survey industry.

What truly sets Cooper Aerial apart is our team. We hire smart, capable people and trust them to do great work. That experience shows up in our deliverables, which are recognized for their quality, reliability, and attention to detail. We serve clients worldwide and have built our reputation on excellence, strong relationships, and staying ahead of the curve as mapping technology continues to evolve.

If you care about quality and want to be part of a team known for its reputation and results, you’ll fit in at Cooper Aerial.