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Aerial Survey Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sawtooth Mining

Surveyor

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos. * Perform CAD applications such as volume ...

Sawtooth Mining

Surveyor

Winnemucca, NV

Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos. * Perform CAD applications such as volume ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... work-supporting aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX

Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth, Texas (TX). ... aerial and terrestrial LiDAR data capture, photogrammetry, and occasional conventional survey data ...

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Aerial Survey Pilot information

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$14

$31

$48

How much do aerial survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial survey pilot in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Geospatial Sensor Operator

Sanborn Map

Colorado Springs, CO • Remote

$18 - $24/hr

Part-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US

Founded in 1866, The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) is one of the oldest continuously operating mapping and geospatial information technology companies in the US. Our work is highly visual, and our mapped data and applications are an essential part of todays information economy. We serve many industries and government departments and need to communicate effectively with them about our wide range of products and services. We remain at the forefront of the GIS and photogrammetry industry by offering high quality, technologically superior products and services backed by the industrys most experienced staff. We are looking for a talented individual to fill this role working in a collaborative environment ready to innovate workflow.

SUMMARY:

The Geospatial Sensor Operator is responsible for the operation of computer managed flight navigation systems, GPS Geodetic base stations, and a combination of E/O sensors, Lidar sensors, and other related systems. The Airborne Sensor operator collects viable data in a timely fashion to meet the company objectives. In this role you will need to possess a combination of maturity, skill, and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member. You must have the ability to travel extensively anywhere in North America. This is a remote position 95% of the working hours.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES:

  • Prepare field equipment, maps, logistics, and electronic information.
  • Collect survey and remote sensing data using various types of equipment.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot survey and remote sensing equipment.
  • Maintain a collaborative work environment field teams.
  • Download and ship data gathered after mission completion.
  • Perform initial quality assessment in the field to assure data meets client specifications.
  • Coordinate with the senior operations personnel to determine if re-flights are required.
  • Generate and/or review flight plans for data acquisition missions.
  • Prepare post mission flight logs and reports.
  • Assist Aerial Survey Pilot in exercising professional judgement at the job site in determining conditions and procedures under which data collection will be performed.
  • Apply specialized knowledge in using industry and proprietary software to accomplish in-office data processing and quality control.
  • Responsible to update quality management procedures on aerial sensor operation when required
  • Remove and install equipment when required.
  • Ensure to follow these guidelines, but are not limited to: company operating procedures, equipment operating procedures, FAA regulations, and client specifications.

EDUCATION:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Associate degree, or certificate in relevant course of study, such as math, computer science, engineering disciplines or the equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word.
  • GIS software knowledge such as ESRI or QGIS.

OTHER:

  • Perform work daily over extended weekly schedules including travel as required.
  • Working independently to perform work without immediate or constant supervision.
  • Working outdoors in a variety of environmental and geographic conditions.
  • Technical savvy to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment.
  • Valid Drivers License and the ability to travel anywhere in the United States.
  • Must be 21 years of age.

SUPERVSIORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

Position: Part-time (working up to 1600 hours annually)

Pay Range: $18-24 hourly

Sanborn offers 401k with company match, and dental, vision, and company paid accident and life insurance benefits with the position.

TO APPLY: Visit our website: www.Sanborn.com under the Careers menu option to apply. We are accepting applications for this position until August 15, 2026. Sanborn is an AA/Veteran/Disability Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply