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Tex-Air Drone

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.

Harrison Farms

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... This is a full-time position with a starting base salary of $60,000. Applicants must possess an FAA ...

Harrison Farms

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... This is a full-time position with a starting base salary of $60,000. Applicants must possess an FAA ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

The Role Mach Industries is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Field Drone Technician to support ... base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience ...

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How much do drone base jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone base in the United States is $72,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities and work environment for a drone base operator?

Drone Base Operators are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights for purposes like aerial inspections, mapping, photography, or surveying. They often work both outdoors at various sites and indoors for mission planning and data analysis, sometimes traveling to client locations. Collaboration with engineers, surveyors, or project managers is common to ensure data accuracy and mission objectives are met. Roles can be dynamic, requiring adaptability to weather conditions and specific project needs, which keeps the work engaging and offers opportunities to develop expertise in specialized drone applications.

What is a drone base?

A Drone Base job typically involves piloting drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, or inspections. These jobs can be freelance, contract-based, or full-time positions with companies that utilize drone technology. Pilots may work in industries like real estate, construction, agriculture, or infrastructure inspection. Requirements often include FAA certification (such as Part 107 in the U.S.), experience with drone operation, and knowledge of relevant software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone base position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Base Operator, you typically need proficiency in remote piloting, strong spatial awareness, and an understanding of aviation safety protocols, often supported by FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone control software, GPS navigation systems, and real-time data collection tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators adapt to diverse scenarios and coordinate with teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient drone operations across various industries.

More about Drone Base jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Base jobs? Cities with the most Drone Base job openings:
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Drone Base jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Base job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,117 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Tex-Air Drone

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

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Job description

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM


Position Overview

This is a hybrid field-and-office role—not strictly a flying job.

As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist, you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need someone with strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, and meticulous attention to detail who takes pride in both precision flight and clean data management.


Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Flight Operations

  • Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA regulations and company SOPs.
  • Conduct preflight planning, airspace reviews, site risk assessments, and weather checks.
  • Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.
  • Capture high-quality data across multiple modalities: photogrammetry, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, and oblique imagery.
  • Assist with agricultural spraying operations (training/licensing provided).
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety checklists.


Data Processing & Quality Control

  • Download, organize, back up, and manage large datasets using standardized file structures.
  • Process imagery and spatial data into orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, digital twins, and thermal reports.
  • Perform rigorous quality control checks (coverage, overlap, visual clarity, positioning accuracy) before client delivery.
  • Upload project deliverables to cloud platforms and client portals.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to new mapping, GIS, and processing software.


What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Computer & Technical Skills: High proficiency with Windows systems, file management, cloud storage, and learning new software quickly.
  • Work Ethic & Mindset: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, safety-conscious, and able to work independently in the field.
  • Physical & Travel Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable working outdoors in varying Texas weather conditions; ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Screening: Must pass background, driving record, and drug screenings.

Preferred Experience & Certifications:

  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
  • Experience operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms.
  • Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD, surveying, precision ag, or remote sensing.
  • Experience with software like PIX4D, DJI Terra, ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, or ROCK Cloud.
  • Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience).

Schedule & Working Conditions

Field ops are driven by weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, late afternoons, or overnight trips. This is a fully in-person role based in Amarillo, TX.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Updated Resume
  2. Brief cover letter highlighting your experience with drones, computers, GIS/CAD, ag, or construction.
  3. List of current certifications/licenses.
  4. Your target compensation and start availability.

Tex-Air Drone LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

About Us
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Tex-Air Drone LLC delivers high-precision aerial and terrestrial data for agriculture, construction, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural spraying and multispectral imaging to thermal inspections, LiDAR, and 3D digital-twin development.
We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a long-term career in the fast-growing geospatial and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.