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Aerial Pilot Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot Location: Middle TN Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on experience Hiring ... Collect, process, validate, and deliver aerial data. * Partner with analysts to extract insights ...

Drone Pilot Location: Middle TN Worksite: In office Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on ... Collect, process, validate, and deliver aerial data. * Partner with analysts to extract insights ...

... aerial logistics initiatives across the United States. Responsibilities * Conduct and oversee ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

... aerial logistics initiatives across the United States. Responsibilities * Conduct and oversee ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Monday-Friday, 12a-8a Travel: ~10 percent ... Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced UAS platforms * Work with internal teams ...

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced drone platforms. * Collaborate with ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Core Values & Competencies The ideal candidate ...

Aerial Pilot information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.9K

$118.8K

$182.4K

How much do aerial pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial pilot in Tennessee is $118,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,800.00 and $140,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial pilot?

Aerial pilots are licensed professionals who operate aircraft for purposes other than commercial airline transportation. Their work often includes aerial photography, surveying, agricultural applications (like crop dusting), firefighting, search and rescue, and banner towing. Aerial pilots must have specialized training and certifications that depend on their specific area of work, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. They often work in varied and sometimes challenging environments, and their skills are critical for tasks that require precision flying. Aerial pilots play an essential role in industries ranging from agriculture to emergency services.

What does an aerial pilot do?

The job duties of an aerial pilot involve operating an aircraft to perform different airborne tasks. Your responsibilities vary depending on the industry. An aerial survey pilot performs data acquisition and mapping tasks while they fly over an area. As an aerial photography pilot, you take images from the air or fly a photography team over the site or event they want to photograph. An aerial firefighter pilot releases water or fire suppression liquid over a forest fire. Crop dusters release fertilizer or pesticide over farm fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerial pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aviation knowledge, and excellent flight proficiency, often supported by specialized training for aerial operations. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS technology, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 61 or 141 license. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong decision-making skills set exceptional aerial pilots apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring flight safety, regulatory compliance, and effective execution of specialized missions like photography, surveying, or agricultural work.

What are some common challenges aerial pilots face when operating in diverse weather conditions?

Aerial Pilots often encounter rapidly changing weather patterns that can significantly affect flight safety and mission success. Navigating through turbulence, low visibility, and unexpected wind shifts requires quick decision-making and constant communication with ground control and co-pilots. Staying updated on weather reports and having contingency plans in place are essential parts of the job. Pilots must also be adept at adjusting flight plans on the fly to maintain safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectAerial PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificateRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentAircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industriesRemote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefightingFilmmaking, inspections, agriculture, real estate

While both roles involve flying devices, Aerial Pilots operate manned aircraft requiring pilot licenses and often work in aviation or aerial services. Drone Operators control unmanned drones with remote licenses, mainly used for filming, inspections, or agricultural purposes. The key differences lie in certification requirements, work environment, and industry applications.

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Pilot jobs in Tennessee?

For Aerial Pilot jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Pilot jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Pilot jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Pilot job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,822 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Drone Pilot

FOCUSPOINT

Brentwood, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Drone Pilot

Location: Middle TN
Travel: ~10 percent
Compensation: Based on experience
Hiring Through: FocusPoint (confidential client)

Overview

FocusPoint Talent Solutions is recruiting for a Drone Pilot to support a confidential client in the industrial operations sector. This role is ideal for an experienced UAS professional who thrives in complex environments where safety, situational awareness, and real‑time decision support are essential.

The employer operates multiple large‑scale facilities across the region. All candidate engagement flows exclusively through FocusPoint to protect client confidentiality.

Role Summary

The Drone Pilot leads mission planning, execution, and data capture across controlled industrial environments. This includes advanced flight operations, emergency‑readiness support, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with operations and analytics teams to convert aerial data into actionable insights.

The role also supports a centralized operations function responsible for monitoring live site conditions and escalating critical issues.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations & Mission Planning

  • Plan and execute drone missions, including advanced operations in controlled airspace.

  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment during urgent or time‑sensitive events.

  • Identify opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational visibility through UAS technology.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

  • Ensure all operations align with federal and state UAS regulations.

  • Implement safety protocols, conduct risk assessments, and maintain incident‑reporting standards.

Data Capture & Analysis

  • Collect, process, validate, and deliver aerial data.

  • Partner with analysts to extract insights and support operational decision‑making.

Operational Monitoring

  • Support a centralized operations function by monitoring live data feeds for anomalies or emerging risks.

  • Provide timely, clear updates to leadership during critical events.

Team Communication & Leadership

  • Maintain team readiness through consistent communication.

  • Promote a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications
  • BA degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of industry experience.

  • Demonstrated experience operating drones in industrial, infrastructure, or high‑complexity environments.

  • Strong understanding of industrial operations, safety protocols, and risk management.

  • FAA Part 107 certification (required).

  • Proficiency with data‑analysis and visualization tools.

  • Strong communication, leadership, and project‑management skills.

Values & Behaviors

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

  • A commitment to safety and disciplined execution.

  • Accountability and ownership of outcomes.

  • Integrity and direct communication.

  • A growth mindset and continuous‑improvement orientation.

  • Curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions.

Work Environment & Schedule
  • Location: Greater Nashville region

  • Travel: Approximately 10% to regional operational sites

  • Schedule: Weekend‑focused, 30‑hour workweek with a compressed shift structure (morning or evening track available)


Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.


How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.


About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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