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How much do contract isr pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract isr pilot in the United States is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract ISR Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Pilot, you need a valid commercial or military pilot license, extensive flight hours, and specialized training in ISR operations. Familiarity with ISR platforms, mission planning software, and secure communication systems is typically required, along with certifications such as FAA Part 107 for UAV operations if applicable. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills are essential soft skills for effective mission execution. These qualifications ensure safe, accurate, and efficient collection of critical intelligence data in complex and dynamic environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract ISR Pilots, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract ISR Pilots often encounter challenges such as operating in unfamiliar or austere environments, adapting quickly to new mission parameters, and maintaining effective communication with diverse ground teams. Flexibility and strong situational awareness are crucial for managing these demands. Building rapport with new teams, staying current with regulatory requirements, and thorough pre-mission planning can greatly enhance mission success and personal performance in this dynamic role.

Can pilots be independent contractors?

Contract ISR pilots can work as independent contractors, depending on their employment arrangements and contractual agreements. Many pilots in the industry operate as independent contractors, which allows for flexible schedules and self-employment, but they must meet regulatory requirements and often need specific certifications such as a commercial pilot license. Employers may classify pilots as employees or contractors based on the nature of their work and control levels.

What is a Contract ISR Pilot?

A Contract ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Pilot is a professional aviator hired on a contractual basis to operate aircraft equipped with advanced sensors and surveillance technology. Their primary role is to collect, analyze, and report intelligence data for military, government, or private sector clients. These pilots often support operations such as border security, disaster response, and military missions. Contract ISR Pilots must have specialized training in both flying and operating sophisticated ISR equipment. They typically work for defense contractors or government agencies on specific projects or missions.

How much do contract pilots get paid?

Contract ISR pilots typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of missions. Compensation can also include per diem, travel allowances, and bonuses for specialized skills or security clearances.

What is the difference between Contract Isr Pilot vs Contract UAS Pilot?

AspectContract Isr PilotContract UAS Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, ISR-specific trainingFAA Part 107, UAS pilot license
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense, intelligence missionsCommercial, aerial photography, surveying
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense contractorsPrivate companies, media, agriculture

Contract Isr Pilots and Contract UAS Pilots both operate unmanned aircraft systems, but ISR Pilots focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions often for government agencies, requiring specialized training. UAS Pilots typically work in commercial sectors like media or agriculture, with a focus on aerial data collection. While certifications like FAA Part 107 are common, the mission scope and work environment distinguish these roles.

How much does an ISR pilot make?

An ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) pilot typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and the employer. Military ISR pilots often have additional benefits such as housing allowances and retirement plans, while civilian pilots may earn higher salaries with specialized skills and certifications. Salary can also vary based on deployment, location, and operational demands.

Is there a shortage of pilots right now?

The aviation industry is experiencing a pilot shortage, including for commercial and airline pilots, due to increased travel demand and retirements. This has led to higher hiring rates and competitive salaries for qualified pilots with proper certifications and flight hours.
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Contract Isr Pilot jobs near you
STINGRAI UAS Specialist - 28737

STINGRAI UAS Specialist - 28737

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Tampa, FL • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 28737
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $90,873.00 - $125,000.00
Security Clearance: TS/SCI
Level of Experience: Mid HI
This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.
HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Summary
HII Mission Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven UAS Specialist to support advanced unmanned systems operations across training and test environments. This role involves hands-on responsibility for the acquisition, modification, programming, and maintenance of multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms, including Group 3 and turbine aircraft. The ideal candidate will lead flight operations, conduct vulnerability and developmental assessments, and collaborate with intelligence agencies to enhance data sharing and threat analysis.
We are hiring across multiple levels (III, IV, and V), based on contract requirements and candidate experience.
What You Will Do
  • Acquire, modify, fabricate, and maintain multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms (Group 3 and turbine systems).
  • Launch, recover, and perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks on unmanned aircraft.
  • Travel on short notice to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including potential conflict zones.
  • Conduct vulnerability site assessments to support threat analysis and inform analyst teams.
  • Assist in evaluating developmental aircraft to guide R&D efforts for next-gen UAS technologies.
  • Collaborate with national and international intelligence agencies to establish data-sharing protocols and trend analysis.
  • Plan, coordinate, and serve as safety officer during flight operations for training and testing events.
  • Deliver technical red-team analysis to assess adversarial capabilities and vulnerabilities.
  • Independently execute all functional responsibilities in dynamic and austere environments.
  • Operate effectively within small, close-knit teams under high-pressure conditions.
  • Instruct military personnel across ranks in UAS operations and technology applications.
  • Support pre-deployment training, FTXs, VALEXs, and other technical exchange events.
  • Research and assess emerging RPV technologies and their implications for DoD capabilities.
  • Translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for military stakeholders.
  • Design and fabricate RPVs using limited instructions or custom-built kits.
  • Define and execute operational scenarios for testing and training involving UAS platforms.
  • Interpret customer requirements to guide proper use and development of UAS technologies.
  • Utilize MS Office and intelligence automation tools to support analysis and product development.
  • Maintain readiness to obtain FAA Part 107 and Amateur Radio Technician licenses.
  • Deploy to CENTCOM theater following successful CRC completion.

What We Are Looking For
  • Clearance: Posses and maintains a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Experience instructing military personnel across ranks.
  • Proven expertise with COTS UAS platforms and RPVs (land, air, sea).
  • Ability to fabricate and operate aircraft from kits or limited instructions.
  • FAA Part 107 UAS Pilot License (or ability to obtain).
  • CRC completion and CENTCOM deployment readiness Amateur Radio Technician License (or ability to obtain).
  • Strong grasp of MDMP and DoD operational impacts.
  • Skilled in scenario planning, technical exchange, and intelligence automation.
  • Exceptional communication and independent problem-solving abilities.

Education & Experience Requirements (Multiple Levels):
  • Level 3: 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
  • Level 4: 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
  • Level 5: 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.

#LI-NM1
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent CONUS and OCONUS travel-potentially to conflict zones-and demands independent performance in small team settings. The candidate will also serve as a technical advisor, safety officer, and red-team analyst, contributing to the evolution of next-generation unmanned technologies. Office, industrial, or shipboard environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances. Lifting and moving materials may be required.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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