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Aerial Survey Pilot Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Aerial Survey Pilot information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$30

$47

How much do aerial survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial survey pilot in Raleigh, NC is $30.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $35.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial survey pilot?

Aerial survey pilots are specialized aviators who operate aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors to capture images and data from the air. Their primary role is to fly specific routes over designated areas to collect information for mapping, environmental monitoring, land assessment, or resource management. These pilots work closely with survey teams and must ensure precise flight paths and altitudes to gather accurate data. They often fly small aircraft at low altitudes and may work in a variety of weather and terrain conditions.

What does an aerial survey pilot do?

An aerial survey pilot utilizes mapping or photographic equipment while operating an aircraft. As a survey pilot, you fly over an assigned area and capture images or record data for surveying or data collection purposes. Your duties include determining the best path to obtain the required images, checking your equipment to ensure they all work properly, and coordinating with air traffic control to carry out your flight plan. While flying, you may also need to trigger sensors or turn on equipment over a designated area, fly an operator in your aircraft, or carry remote-controlled or automated sensing equipment. Survey pilots often fly in fixed-wing aircraft, though some positions require you to operate a helicopter.

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

To thrive as an Aerial Survey Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and experience with low-altitude flight operations. Familiarity with aerial mapping tools, GPS systems, and specialized survey equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for managing complex missions and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital to accurately capturing data, maintaining safety standards, and delivering reliable results for survey projects.

What are some common challenges faced by aerial survey pilots during data collection missions?

Aerial Survey Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating restricted or complex airspace, and maintaining precise flight paths required for accurate data capture. Additionally, pilots must coordinate closely with survey technicians and ground crews to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and data is collected according to project specifications. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as missions may require adjusting flight plans or schedules at short notice to achieve optimal results.
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Aerial Survey Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Survey Pilot job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,795 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Traffic Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)external

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position summary: Responsible for traffic engineering design using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute and coordinate assignments with limited supervision.  This position involves a solid mix of electrical, civil, and systems engineering principles.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Traffic signal and roadway lighting design, including CAD and field work
  • ITS, signal interconnection, and emerging traffic technology design
  • Signal timing at a corridor level, including field-based fine tuning and implementation
  • Support of traffic safety projects and other Smart Mobility projects
  • Signal cabinet wiring and signal controller programming
  • Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects/tasks 
  • Perform design computations 
  • Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools
  • Develop or review the construction cost estimate
  • Prepare and compile contract plans, specifications and estimates 
  • Attend meetings with clients and assist taking meeting minutes 
  • Coordinate with other disciplines and understand how they fit into the project and design 
  • Quality review of project design in accordance with the Project Management Plan
  • Technical oversight and guidance/support of Traffic Design Engineers within department 

Nonessential functions and responsibilities

  • sUAS (drone) piloting
  • Research and studies

What Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson employees say

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