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Commercial Uav Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

Position UAV Test Pilots * Location: Churchville, Maryland * Security Clearance: Active Clearance ... Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license. * Specific knowledge of military ...

General Atomics

UAV Instructor/Operator

Liberty, NC · On-site

... and commercial engineering services. GA-SI is a leading-edge expert in systems integration ... May be called upon to remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

... commercial service. Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

... commercial service. Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

... commercial service. Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

... our commercial service. Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join our ... Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV ...

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Commercial Uav Pilot information

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$11

$22

$34

How much do commercial uav pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for commercial uav 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 UAV pilot?

Commercial UAV pilots are professionals who operate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for business purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, agriculture, and mapping. They must adhere to regulations set by aviation authorities, which often require certification and specialized training. These pilots are skilled in flight planning, drone operation, data collection, and sometimes data analysis, ensuring safe and efficient drone missions for a variety of industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial UAV pilot?

To thrive as a Commercial UAV Pilot, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and drone operation, usually backed by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 in the U.S.) and relevant flight experience. Familiarity with flight control apps, GPS mapping software, and specific drone platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for adapting to dynamic environments and ensuring safety. These competencies are essential to operate UAVs safely, meet client needs, and comply with legal standards in commercial applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by commercial UAV pilots when operating drones in different environments?

Commercial UAV pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating complex airspace regulations, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring the safety of both their equipment and people on the ground. Operating in urban areas may involve avoiding obstacles like buildings and power lines, while rural or remote locations can present difficulties with signal loss and limited access to emergency support. Staying current with evolving technology and maintaining compliance with legal requirements are also essential aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Commercial Uav Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectCommercial Uav PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 CertificationMay or may not have certifications, often informal
Work EnvironmentCommercial projects, regulated airspace, professional settingsRecreational or commercial, varies widely
Industry UsageSurveying, filmmaking, inspection, agriculturePhotography, hobbyist, some commercial uses

The main difference between a Commercial Uav Pilot and a Drone Operator is that the Commercial Uav Pilot holds specific certifications like the FAA Part 107 and works in regulated, professional environments. Drone Operators may not have formal certifications and often work in recreational or less regulated settings. The Commercial Uav Pilot's role is more specialized and industry-focused, often involving legal compliance and technical expertise.

More about Commercial Uav Pilot jobs

What are popular job titles related to Commercial Uav Pilot jobs?

For Commercial Uav Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Commercial Uav Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Uav Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,504 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

Survice
See more jobs at Surviceexternal

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!

Why SURVICE?

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!

Position

UAV Test Pilots

  • Location: Churchville, Maryland
  • Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
  • Salary: $28/HR - $33/HR Depending on Experience and Education
  • Travel: 20%
  • Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary

SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking UAV Test Pilots to support our Chesapeake Production Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • UAV test pilot with acillary duties related to UAV system and subsystem assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • UAV research, development, and testing. Must have Pilot's license and be able to operate Group 3 aircraft.
  • Will perform test flights, troubleshooting, training, and create test procedures related to various unmanned vehicles.
  • UAV pilots will also support end user training events and field demonstration events that may require domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications of UAV Test Pilot

High School Diploma Required | Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science preferred and 1+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.

  • Aircraft operation, safety, testing, training, procedure development.
  • Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license.
  • Specific knowledge of military aircraft systems preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of unmanned rotorcraft preferred.
  • Experience building, repairing, troubleshooting electronic systems - especially remote control vehicles, robotics, etc.

About Us

SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.


SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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