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Commercial Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73286)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

... from commercial and residential towers to industrial, sports, and entertainment facilities ... As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join ...

New

Valcourt

Drone Operator (72213)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). * Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73294)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). * Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.

New

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... Demonstrated experience operating drones / uncrewed aerial systems (commercial, military, or ...

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

JOB SUMMARY: The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned ... FAA Part 107 Certification for commercial drone operation. * Previous experience in roof ...

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Commercial Drone Operator information

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How much do commercial drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial drone operator in the United States is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial drone operator?

Commercial drone operators are professionals who use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for business purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspections, and deliveries. They are trained to safely operate drones in accordance with aviation regulations and are often required to obtain certifications or licenses, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the United States. Commercial drone operators work in various industries, including real estate, construction, agriculture, and public safety, providing valuable data and services that would be difficult or costly to obtain otherwise.

What is the difference between Commercial Drone Operator vs Aerial Photographer?

AspectCommercial Drone OperatorAerial Photographer
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, drone pilot licensePhotography experience, portfolio, possibly FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, various locations, regulated airspaceOutdoor, scenic or event locations, often on-site
Industry UsageReal estate, construction, inspections, mediaAdvertising, art, events, tourism

While both roles involve aerial work, Commercial Drone Operators focus on flying drones for commercial purposes following FAA regulations, whereas Aerial Photographers primarily capture images from the air, often for artistic or promotional use. The roles overlap in outdoor environments and may require similar certifications, but their primary objectives differ.

Is there a demand for commercial drone operators?

There is increasing demand for commercial drone operators across industries such as construction, agriculture, real estate, and film production. Employers seek certified operators skilled in drone flight, data collection, and safety regulations, leading to job growth in this field.

How to become a commercial drone operator?

To become a commercial drone operator, you typically need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, you should have good flying skills, understand airspace regulations, and often need to register your drone if it exceeds certain weight limits.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a commercial drone operator?

To thrive as a Commercial Drone Operator, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, flight planning, and aerial photography or videography, usually backed by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight control systems, mapping software, and data processing tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators navigate diverse environments and client needs. These skills ensure safe, legal, and high-quality operations, which are crucial for delivering reliable results in commercial drone projects.

What are common challenges faced by commercial drone operators?

Commercial drone operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring compliance with evolving aviation regulations, and managing battery life for extended operations. They must also coordinate closely with clients and team members to capture precise data or imagery, which may require flexibility in scheduling and travel. Additionally, operators need to stay updated on the latest drone technologies and software to maintain efficiency and safety during missions.
More about Commercial Drone Operator jobs
What states have the most Commercial Drone Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Commercial Drone Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Commercial Drone Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Commercial Drone Operator jobs are:
Commercial Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Drone Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,857 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Drone Operator (73286)

Valcourt

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

With over 40 years of experience, HSG provides a full array of building exterior maintenance services for properties of all types, from commercial and residential towers to industrial, sports, and entertainment facilities. Property owners and managers across Southern California count on HSG for window cleaning, waterproofing and metal restoration, as well as bird control, glass scratch prevention and removal, pressure cleaning and much more.

About Valcourt Building Services 

Valcourt Building Services is the premier provider of building maintenance solutions, offering innovative services that prioritize safety, quality, and client satisfaction. As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window cleaning services for mid-rise to high-rise buildings. 
  

Key Responsibilities 

  • Operate the Drone for pressure washing and window cleaning, delivering exceptional results on mid-rise to high-rise buildings. 

  • Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. 

  • Analyze building surfaces to develop efficient cleaning strategies tailored to unique structural challenges. 

  • Maintain precise control of the drone during cleaning operations to ensure safety and effectiveness without property damage. 

  • Adhere to all FAA regulations, such as maintaining line-of-sight and avoiding restricted airspaces. 

  • Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt’s safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational safety. 

  • Prepare and execute site-specific work plans, including risk assessments and hazard mitigation strategies. 

  • Ensure environmental compliance, including proper management of runoff and adherence to regulations. 

  • Perform routine maintenance on the Drone, including cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure operational readiness. 

  • Document project processes, including capturing before-and-after photos, preparing client reports, and maintaining detailed operational logs. 

  • Promptly report technical issues, accidents, or near-misses to management and participate in resolution processes. 

  • Collaborate with operations and site teams to coordinate access, water sources, and project schedules. 

  • Maintain professional and clear communication with clients, providing updates and addressing any questions or concerns during the project. 

Skills and Qualifications Required: 

  • FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). 

  • Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance. 

  • In-depth knowledge of drone operation laws and building safety standards. 

  • Strong technical skills for troubleshooting and maintaining drone equipment. 

  • Exceptional attention to detail, spatial awareness, and operational precision. 

  • Physical ability to transport, set up, and manage drone equipment. 

  • Basic understanding of building facades, pressure washing techniques, and water management. 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for team collaboration and client interaction. 

Preferred: 

  • Experience operating the Drone or similar technology. 

  • Familiarity with environmental compliance regulations for runoff and water management. 

  • Background in window cleaning, pressure washing, or related building maintenance services.  

Working Conditions: 

  • Outdoors work in various weather conditions. 

  • Frequent travel to job sites. 

  • Adherence to Valcourt’s comprehensive safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

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