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Contract Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner ... contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and ...

Ensite Services

Be Seen First

Residential Site Surveyor - Drone Pilot

Columbus, OH · On-site

$800 - $2.0K/wk

Ensite Services LLC -- Contract (1099) ( Full-Time ) Ensite partners with solar and roofing ... Drone with FAA Part 107 license * Basic hand tools * Smartphone * Valid driver's license and ...

Ensite Services

Be Seen First

Residential Site Surveyor - Drone Pilot

Worcester, MA · On-site

$800 - $2.0K/wk

Ensite Services LLC -- Contract (1099) ( Full-Time ) Ensite partners with solar and roofing ... Drone with FAA Part 107 license * Basic hand tools * Smartphone * Valid driver's license and ...

Exact Solar

Solar Site Visit Technician

Newtown, PA · On-site

The site visit technician visits homes and businesses as the last step in the pre-contract process ... drone pilot license for use of the drone and conducting site visits independently. This is an ...

Apidel Technologies

Analyst 1

Nashville, TN · On-site

Aeronautics Data and Field Support Technician Aeronautics is seeking a contract worker to support ... Communicate with the drone pilot and field staff during flights. Help with basic field notes ...

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Contract Drone Pilot information

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$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do contract drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract drone pilot in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for contract drone pilots is growing across industries such as photography, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. As drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors, skilled pilots with certifications and knowledge of regulations are increasingly sought after.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Drone Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Drone Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation safety, and familiarity with regulations, often supported by FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent. Proficiency with drone flight planning apps, aerial imaging software, and data management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting safe flights, gathering accurate data, and successfully collaborating with clients or team members in diverse field environments.

What is the highest paid drone pilot?

The highest paid contract drone pilots can earn over $150,000 annually, especially those with specialized skills in aerial cinematography, surveying, or industrial inspections. Experienced pilots with advanced certifications and access to high-paying commercial projects tend to command the top salaries in the industry.

What are the typical work environments and project types for contract drone pilots?

Contract drone pilots often work in a range of environments, from agriculture fields and construction sites to real estate listings and public events, depending on client needs. Projects may include aerial photography, mapping, surveying, inspections, or videography, so adaptability to different settings and requirements is essential. Work can be highly variable, with some periods involving extensive field work and travel, and others focused on data processing or reporting. Pilots frequently collaborate with clients, project managers, or technical teams to ensure mission objectives are met and deliverables are high-quality. This variety provides opportunities to gain experience across industries and build a diverse portfolio.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has experimented with using drone pilots for inventory and delivery tasks, but specific pay rates for drone pilots are not publicly disclosed. Compensation for drone pilots generally varies based on experience, location, and employer, with industry averages ranging from $15 to $30 per hour. Many roles require certification and familiarity with drone operation regulations.

How much does Amazon pay drone pilots?

Amazon's drone delivery program employs contract drone pilots who typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific tasks involved. These pilots often need to hold relevant certifications and operate using specialized drone control systems. Compensation can vary based on the company's evolving drone operations and pilot qualifications.

What is a Contract Drone Pilot job?

A Contract Drone Pilot is a freelancer or independent contractor who operates drones for various clients on a project-by-project basis. These pilots capture aerial footage, conduct inspections, map terrain, or perform other tasks depending on the industry. Common fields include real estate, construction, agriculture, and public safety. Contract pilots must typically have a drone license, liability insurance, and the necessary equipment. This role offers flexibility but requires self-marketing and business management skills.

More about Contract Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Drone Pilot jobs are:
Contract Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Event Drone Pilot (PT)

Spurs Sports and Entertainment

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

At Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), we work in service of something bigger than ourselves.
To us it is so much more than just a game or concert. It takes all the members of our Spurs team to harness the power of sports and entertainment to create moments that excite, memories that endure, and connections that strengthen our community. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Austin Spurs (NBA G-League), and the San Antonio FC (USL), and manages day-to-day operations of the Frost Bank Center, Toyota Field and STAR Complex.
We know that our people are our greatest asset as an organization. We aspire to provide our teams with meaningful work, to live our values -Integrity, Success & Caring - day-to-day in what we do and foster an inclusive culture for our 1K+ employee workforce.
The Event Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support parking operations, traffic monitoring, and real-time situational awareness at Frost Bank Center, Toyota Field, and surrounding areas during both event and non-event days.
This role plays a key part in enhancing operational efficiency and safety by monitoring traffic flow, parking utilization, and crowd movement. The Drone Pilot captures and communicates aerial data to assist parking and venue operations teams in making informed, real-time decisions.
The pilot must ensure full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Part 107) regulations, as well as all company policies and safety standards.
All drone equipment and necessary resources will be provided by Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E). The Event Drone Pilot will collaborate with internal departments as needed and is not responsible for supplying personal equipment.
What You'll Do:
  • Operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in a safe and compliant manner during event and non-event days, ensuring adherence to FAA Part 107 regulations and all applicable laws.

  • Monitor and assess traffic flow, parking utilization, and pedestrian movement using aerial footage to support operational efficiency.

  • Provide real-time situational awareness and communicate actionable insights to Parking and Venue Operations teams.

  • Conduct pre-flight inspections, risk assessments, and airspace checks prior to all drone operations.

  • Coordinate with internal departments (Parking, Security, Operations) and adjust operations based on changing conditions such as weather, crowd density, and emergencies.

  • Capture, document, and report aerial data, including post-event summaries and operational insights to stakeholders.

  • Ensure proper handling, storage, and maintenance of drone equipment; escalate equipment issues or safety concerns as needed

Who You Are:
  • Current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required.

  • 1-2 years of experience operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS), preferably in a live event, sports, or operational environment.

  • Strong understanding of FAA regulations, airspace authorization, and safe flight operations.

  • Ability to interpret aerial data and communicate insights to operational teams.

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to coordinate across departments.

  • Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

  • Ability to pass background checks and comply with all SS&E employment requirements

Physical Requirements:
The employee must be able to:
  • Stand, walk, and remain stationary for extended periods during events.

  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and low-light environments.

  • Lift, carry, and transport equipment weighing up to 25-30 pounds.

  • Maintain visual focus and hand-eye coordination for extended periods while operating UAS.

  • Use hands and fingers to operate drone controls and related equipment.

  • Communicate effectively via radio and other communication devices.

  • Respond quickly to changing environments and operational needs.

In every position, each employee is expected to: demonstrate alignment with SS&E's core values and mission, collaborate with internal/external community members and demonstrate ongoing development.
If you don't have experience in every single bullet above, no sweat - we still want to hear from you and encourage you to apply!
SS&E is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Nothing contained in this job description is intended to be a contract of employment, nor does any information contained here represent a guarantee of employment for a specific duration. Your employment with SS&E is "at will", which means that either you or SS&E may terminate the relationship at any time. Essential functions listed above must be performed with or without accommodations.

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