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Aerial Survey Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Description UAS Pilot is a field position with some office work; the candidate will be working ... Knowledge of aerial LiDAR. * Knowledge of Photogrammetry. * Experience towing a trailer.

Description UAS Pilot is a field position with some office work; the candidate will be working ... Knowledge of aerial LiDAR. * Knowledge of Photogrammetry. * Experience towing a trailer.

Description UAS Pilot is a field position with some office work; the candidate will be working ... Knowledge of aerial LiDAR. * Knowledge of Photogrammetry. * Experience towing a trailer.

Description UAS Pilot is a field position with some office work; the candidate will be working ... Knowledge of aerial LiDAR. * Knowledge of Photogrammetry. * Experience towing a trailer.

Project Surveyor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$48.22 - $86.03/hr

Drafting aerial surveys from our UAV (Drone) * Solve problems using exciting new technology ... Experience with survey equipment, such as GPS, Robotic, and Total Station * Pursuing FAA Pilot ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... aerial fire suppression by piloting Orange County Fire Authority helicopters over all types of ... feet on map survey work, power line patrol or construction work, fire control work, rescue ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Aerial Survey Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Aerial Survey Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Aerial Survey Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Aerial Survey Pilot jobs are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Survey Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% 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.

Drone Pilot

TSMG

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


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. 

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.
Qualifications:
  • 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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.
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