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Commercial Uav Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV ... Fixed Wing and / or Rotorcraft Commercial Certificate * A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command ...

XWING

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · 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)

East Garrison, 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 ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience working on aircraft (military or commercial) is highly desired. * Experience with prior ... Manned or Unmanned pilot certificate (military or civilian) highly desired * Ability to work ...

Northern Impact

Surveyor

Lubbock, TX · On-site

... commercial, and institutional sectors. Their portfolio spans a diverse array of project types ... UAV Pilot License: Soaring to new heights. * Tech Savvy: Excellent computer and communication ...

LiveU

Business Development, Public Sector

TN · Remote

Represent LiveU at industry events, conferences, and customer briefings (APCO, Commercial UAV Expo ... pilot-to-production paths. * Experience selling through and with channel partners, system ...

Inspired Flight

Test Engineer I / II

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... commercial and government customers. Our purpose driven team exemplifies our Core Values. We are ... UAV Pilot experience and/or a FAA Part 107 License. * Excellent communication and interpersonal ...

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Commercial Uav Pilot information

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How much do commercial uav pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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.

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$187K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes planning and flight testing experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and supporting all certification flight test related activities. Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt core flight test principles to a radically new aviation environment. VSTOL, DER or AR qualification is desired.

Responsibilities
  • Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting
  • Perform simulator testing, development, Failure Modes and Effects Testing, and other purposes
  • Contribute to flight readiness reviews, test safety reviews, and other flight test admin activities
  • Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities
  • Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work safely by established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required
Required
  • Long course graduate of recognized test pilot school or, exceptionally, equivalent on-the-job training
  • At least 3 years additional flight test experience post training, with at least 50 hours experimental or certification flight test experience as test pilot
  • Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Fixed Wing and / or Rotorcraft Commercial Certificate
  • A minimum of 1,000 hours pilot in command flight time
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
Desired
  • Both fixed wing and rotary wing flight test experience, with principal experience in fixed wing
  • AV-8 or F-35B experience and/or V-22 experience
  • FAA certification flight test experience
  • Flight instructional experience
  • Test pilot school instructional experience
  • Experience with all-electric aircraft
  • Flight test DER or AR
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $187,400 - $250,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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