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Contract Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$200 - $400/day

Alpha Drones USA is currently seeking experienced drone pilots for contract/project‑based assignments with our agriculture fleet. This role is designed for pilots who already hold an FAA Part 107 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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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 ...

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

Be Seen First

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

Be Seen First

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

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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 ...

Be Seen First

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 ...

Be Seen First

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 ...

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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 ...

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Contract Drone Pilot information

See salary details

$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do contract drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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.

What is a contract drone pilot?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract drone pilot?

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Contract Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Agri Drone Pilot - Spray Ops (Contract)

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY • On-site

$200 - $400/day

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Experienced Drone Pilot – 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 mission‑ready drone operations.

Alpha Drones USA is currently seeking experienced drone pilots for contract/project‑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 hands‑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 full‑time hours.

Job Summary:
  • Operate Alpha Drones equipment for agriculture spraying assignments
  • Conduct drone‑based spraying applications for agriculture, crop spraying, right‑of‑way, turf, forestry, mosquito/vector control, or related use cases
  • Support spray planning, equipment setup, calibration, flight operations, and post‑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 pre‑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 project‑specific safety protocols
  • Work outdoors in active field environments and variable weather conditions
  • Travel regionally for project assignments; overnight travel and multi‑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 driver’s license
  • Must have 1–3+ years of drone operating experience
  • Must have hands‑on experience with drone‑based spraying applications, including agriculture, crop spraying, right‑of‑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/project‑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 multi‑day projects when required
  • Must successfully complete Alpha Drones USA onboarding and project‑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, right‑of‑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/project‑based role. Compensation is assignment‑based, with day rates generally ranging from $200–$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 assignment‑related expenses for eligible projects.

This is not a full‑time guaranteed‑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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