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Aerial Mapping Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Mapping Pilot information

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$10

$29

$66

How much do aerial mapping pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial mapping pilot in Arizona is $29.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.30 and $30.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aerial mapping pilot?

A typical day for an Aerial Mapping Pilot involves conducting pre-flight inspections, planning flight paths based on project requirements, and operating specialized equipment to capture high-quality aerial images or lidar data. You’ll work closely with ground teams, surveyors, and data analysts to ensure mission objectives and safety protocols are met. Additionally, you are responsible for maintaining accurate flight logs and equipment, troubleshooting minor technical issues, and adapting to changing weather or site conditions. This role provides a dynamic routine, with frequent travel and a mix of flying, technical operation, and collaborative planning.

What is an aerial mapping pilot?

An Aerial Mapping Pilot operates aircraft equipped with specialized cameras and sensors to capture geographic data for mapping, surveying, and environmental analysis. They follow precise flight plans at specific altitudes and speeds to ensure accurate data collection. These pilots often work for government agencies, private surveying companies, or geospatial technology firms. Strong navigation skills, knowledge of FAA regulations, and experience with aerial survey equipment are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aerial mapping pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Mapping Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong spatial awareness, and understanding of aerial photography or surveying techniques. Experience with GPS navigation systems, mapping software, and camera or sensor equipment is often required, along with certifications such as FAA Part 61 or 141. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for coordinating with ground crews and interpreting data requirements. These skills ensure safe flight operations, precise data capture, and successful project outcomes in a highly technical and collaborative field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs in Arizona? For Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,628 per year, or $29.1 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 3 days ago

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.