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Commercial Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY ยท On-site

$200 - $400/day

As both a drone fleet operator and a workforce partner, Alpha Drones supports client projects across agriculture and other commercial drone service areas, helping organizations access trained pilots ...

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$50 - $70/hr

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... Experience with DJI Enterprise platforms or similar commercial drone systems * Experience with ...

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping ...

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX ยท On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist , you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need ...

FAA Part 107 Certification for commercial drone operation. * Previous experience in roof ... In Kansas, if the new pilot completes 25 credits within 30 days, both the referrer and the new ...

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Commercial Drone Pilot information

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How much do commercial drone pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial drone pilot in the United States is $22.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commercial drone pilot?

A commercial drone pilot is a licensed professional who operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for business purposes. These pilots use drones to capture aerial photos and videos, conduct inspections, survey land, and perform other tasks across industries such as real estate, agriculture, construction, and filmmaking. To legally fly drones for commercial use, pilots must obtain certification from aviation authorities, such as the FAA's Part 107 license in the United States. Their work requires both technical skills and knowledge of regulations to ensure safe and legal flight operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Drone Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight control systems, GPS navigation, mapping software, and aerial imaging equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations, which are critical for delivering high-quality results to clients across industries.

What are some common challenges commercial drone pilots face when conducting aerial surveys, and how can they be managed?

Commercial Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, navigating regulatory restrictions, and ensuring equipment reliability during aerial surveys. Effective planning, including checking weather forecasts and obtaining necessary flight permissions, is key to minimizing disruptions. Regular maintenance of drones and staying updated on local aviation regulations also help pilots conduct safe and efficient operations. Collaborating closely with clients and team members ensures that data collection meets project requirements while adhering to safety protocols.

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

AspectCommercial Drone PilotAerial Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 license requiredNo specific license required, but FAA certification can enhance credibility
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-location, often in various industriesOutdoor or studio settings, focusing on capturing images
Industry UsageConstruction, real estate, inspections, filmmakingReal estate marketing, art, media, tourism

The main difference between a Commercial Drone Pilot and an Aerial Photographer is that the pilot operates drones for various commercial purposes and requires FAA certification, while the photographer focuses on capturing aerial images, often without needing specific drone licenses. Both roles may work outdoors and in related industries, but their primary objectives and certifications differ.

How do you become a commercial drone pilot?

To become a commercial drone pilot, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the relevant authority, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Additionally, pilots should be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and follow safety regulations while operating drones for commercial purposes.

How much do commercial drone pilots earn?

Commercial drone pilots typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified pilots with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection can command higher rates and salaries.

How much money can you make as a commercial drone pilot?

Commercial drone pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled pilots with certifications and specialized equipment can command higher rates, especially in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection services.

Is there a demand for commercial drone pilots?

There is increasing demand for commercial drone pilots across industries such as construction, agriculture, real estate, and film production. Employers seek pilots with FAA certification, technical skills, and knowledge of drone regulations, leading to growing job opportunities in this field.
More about Commercial Drone Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Commercial Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Commercial Drone Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Commercial Drone Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Commercial Drone Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Commercial Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,504 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Agri Drone Pilot - Spray Ops (Contract)

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY โ€ข On-site

$200 - $400/day

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Experienced Drone Pilot โ€“ Agriculture Fleet

Target Project States: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia

Alpha Drones USA, Inc. is building a drone pilot placement and workforce platform that connects qualified drone professionals with real commercial UAS opportunities across our growing fleet ecosystem. As both a drone fleet operator and a workforce partner, Alpha Drones supports client projects across agriculture and other commercial drone service areas, helping organizations access trained pilots, specialized equipment, and missionโ€‘ready drone operations.

Alpha Drones USA is currently seeking experienced drone pilots for contract/projectโ€‘based assignments with our agriculture fleet. This role is designed for pilots who already hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, have a current FAA medical certificate, and have handsโ€‘on experience operating drones for agricultural or related spraying applications.

Assignments are based on project availability, pilot qualifications, licensing, location, and client needs. This is a 1099 contractor role and does not provide guaranteed fullโ€‘time hours.

Job Summary:
  • Operate Alpha Drones equipment for agriculture spraying assignments
  • Conduct droneโ€‘based spraying applications for agriculture, crop spraying, rightโ€‘ofโ€‘way, turf, forestry, mosquito/vector control, or related use cases
  • Support spray planning, equipment setup, calibration, flight operations, and postโ€‘flight procedures
  • Perform or assist with chemical mixing and loading as permitted by applicable law, project requirements, product labels, and Alpha Drones USA standard operating procedures
  • Complete preโ€‘flight checks, equipment inspections, battery checks, maintenance checks, and operational readiness reviews
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, spray records, project documentation, and equipment records
  • Follow FAA regulations, state pesticide and application laws, Alpha Drones USA SOPs, product label requirements, environmental restrictions, and all projectโ€‘specific safety protocols
  • Work outdoors in active field environments and variable weather conditions
  • Travel regionally for project assignments; overnight travel and multiโ€‘day assignments may be required
  • Coordinate with Alpha Drones team members, project managers, clients, and other field personnel to support safe and successful project completion
Job Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Must hold a current FAA medical certificate
  • Must have a valid driverโ€™s license
  • Must have 1โ€“3+ years of drone operating experience
  • Must have handsโ€‘on experience with droneโ€‘based spraying applications, including agriculture, crop spraying, rightโ€‘ofโ€‘way, turf, forestry, mosquito/vector control, or related applications
  • Must be comfortable operating Alpha Drones equipment and following company flight, safety, and field procedures
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs. and work outdoors in field conditions
  • Must be available for contract/projectโ€‘based assignments based on project needs, location, qualifications, licensing, and scheduling availability
  • Must be willing and able to travel for regional assignments, including overnight and multiโ€‘day projects when required
  • Must successfully complete Alpha Drones USA onboarding and projectโ€‘specific training before assignment; onboarding and training are unpaid
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Must submit a resume, references, FAA Part 107 certificate, FAA medical certificate, and any applicable state applicator licenses or certifications

State pesticide applicator licenses are not required for this role. Candidates who already hold a state applicator license or certification in aerial, rightโ€‘ofโ€‘way, turf, forest pest control, mosquito/vector control, or a related category should include that information with their application, as it may support eligibility for certain project assignments.

Compensation and Assignment Details:

This is a 1099 contract/projectโ€‘based role. Compensation is assignmentโ€‘based, with day rates generally ranging from $200โ€“$400 per day, depending on project type, location, qualifications, licensing, and assignment requirements.

Alpha Drones USA will reimburse approved travel, lodging, fuel, per diem, and other assignmentโ€‘related expenses for eligible projects.

This is not a fullโ€‘time guaranteedโ€‘hours position. Project placement depends on pilot availability, qualifications, licensing, project needs, client requirements, and assignment location.

To Apply:

Experienced drone pilots interested in agriculture fleet assignments should apply using the Apply Now link and submit the required documentation, including resume, references, FAA Part 107 certificate, FAA medical certificate, and any applicable state applicator licenses or certifications.

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