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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Seasonal Pilot in Command Drone Light Shows
Coloma, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Quick apply
Seasonal Pilot in Command Drone Light Shows
Coloma, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Seasonal Pilot in Command Drone Light Shows
Coloma, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Seasonal Pilot in Command Drone Light Shows
Coloma, MI · On-site
$20 - $30/hr
Starlight Aerial Productions, a division of Great Lakes Drone Company Location: Various locations ... As the Pilot in Command, you will be at the forefront of delivering awe-inspiring aerial light ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
* Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Aerial Patroller (Full Time)
Concord, CA · On-site
* Act as mission commander during flights, providing pre-flight mission briefing to pilot * Maintain situational awareness during flight and communicate potential hazards to pilot * Perform aerial ...
Pilot I
Naples, FL · On-site
$73K - $127K/yr
In this role, you will operate District aircraft in support of aerial mosquito control missions and ... Brief The Pilot I position is responsible for the safe operation of District aircraft as Pilot in ...
Pilot I
Naples, FL · On-site
$73K - $127K/yr
In this role, you will operate District aircraft in support of aerial mosquito control missions and ... Brief The Pilot I position is responsible for the safe operation of District aircraft as Pilot in ...
$60K/mo
Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to perform aerial applications of crop protection products and other crop care operations. This is a ...
$60K/mo
Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to perform aerial applications of crop protection products and other crop care operations. This is a ...
Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$156K - $234K/yr
This position will be located in Chantilly, VA The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle ...
New
Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Chantilly, VA · Hybrid
$156K - $234K/yr
This position will be located in Chantilly, VA The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle ...
New
Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$156K - $234K/yr
This position will be located in Chantilly, VA The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle ...
New
Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Chantilly, VA · On-site
$156K - $234K/yr
This position will be located in Chantilly, VA The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle ...
New
Aerial Pilot information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do aerial pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerial pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Aerial Pilot vs Drone Operator?
| Aspect | Aerial Pilot | Drone Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | FAA pilot license, commercial pilot certificate | Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) |
| Work Environment | Aircraft in various outdoor settings, often in aviation or film industries | Remote control, often indoors or in designated outdoor areas |
| Industry Usage | Aviation, aerial photography, surveying, firefighting | Filmmaking, 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 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 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 aerial pilots?
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.
More about Aerial Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerial Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Aerial Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Aerial Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Pilot jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted yesterday
Job description
We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data.Â
Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and videography.
Key Responsibilities:- Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections.
- Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition.
- Follow all FAA regulations and safety guidelines during drone operations.
- Plan flight paths and adjust them as necessary based on environmental conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret aerial data for reporting and project needs.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met.
- Maintain detailed records of flights, including time, locations, and data collected.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drone equipment.
- Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to drone operations.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent).
- Proven experience operating drones in various settings.
- Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software).
- Excellent spatial awareness and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly.
- Experience with specific drone models (e.g., DJI, Parrot).
- Knowledge of photogrammetry and GIS applications.
- Previous experience in (e.g., construction, agriculture, film).
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.
Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.