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Drone Camera Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Access, Inc.

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

Setting up timelapse cameras to capture project progress * Upload and organize all photos, videos, and other data for submission to the engineering team * Record and assess inspection findings for ...

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How much do drone camera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone camera in the United States is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by drone camera operators in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Drone camera operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, battery limitations, and airspace restrictions. Adapting to changing environments requires careful pre-flight planning and flexibility during shoots. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations and ensuring proper equipment maintenance can help minimize disruptions. Collaboration with other team members, such as directors or surveyors, is also essential to capturing the desired footage efficiently and safely.

What are drone camera operators and what do they do?

Drone camera operators are professionals who use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with cameras to capture photos and videos from the air. Their work is used in a variety of industries, including film and television, real estate, agriculture, surveying, and construction. They are responsible for operating the drone safely, planning flight paths, and ensuring high-quality visual content is captured according to project needs. Drone camera operators must also follow all federal and local regulations regarding drone usage and may require specific certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States.

How much do drone photographers get paid?

Drone photographers typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Freelance drone photographers may also charge per project or per day, with rates varying accordingly.

How much do drone inspectors get paid?

Drone inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certification in drone operation and safety can influence salary levels, and some inspectors work freelance or as contractors for higher pay rates.

How to become a drone camera operator?

To become a drone camera operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight and camera operation, understanding safety regulations, and practicing with different drone models are important steps in developing the necessary skills for the job.

Is there a demand for drone photography?

Drone photography is in high demand across industries such as real estate, construction, film, and events, driven by the need for aerial imagery. Professionals with skills in drone operation, FAA certification, and editing are sought after as businesses increasingly incorporate drone footage into their marketing and documentation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Camera Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Camera Operator, you need proficiency in UAV piloting, aerial photography or videography, and typically a commercial drone license such as the FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone control systems, GPS navigation, and editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro is important. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and strong communication skills help operators capture high-quality footage and collaborate with creative teams. These skills ensure safe, legal, and visually compelling aerial content essential for industries like film, real estate, and surveying.

What is the difference between Drone Camera vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Camera
RoleOperates or installs cameras on drones for capturing images or videos
CredentialsMay require drone operation certification, camera operation skills
Work EnvironmentOn-site at filming locations, construction sites, or outdoor areas
Industry UsageFilmmaking, real estate, inspections, journalism

While a Drone Camera focuses on capturing footage using drones, a Drone Pilot is responsible for flying and controlling the drone itself. Both roles often overlap, but the Drone Pilot handles the operation, while the Drone Camera role emphasizes the imaging aspect. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career or service provider in the drone industry.

More about Drone Camera jobs
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What job categories do people searching Drone Camera jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Camera jobs are:
Drone Camera jobs near you
Senior Global Supply Manager, Camera

Senior Global Supply Manager, Camera

Skydio, Inc

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$173K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the Role:
You'll develop and implement commodity sourcing strategies to scale production of high-quality sensing and imaging systems for Skydio's autonomous drone platforms. This role has a primary emphasis on Thermal Imaging Systems and Camera Technologies, including Thermal Cameras, RGB Cameras, Telephoto Cameras, Multi-Sensor Payloads, and related sensing modules. The ideal candidate combines deep thermal imaging supply chain expertise with broad experience across camera technologies, optics, image sensors, and advanced sensing systems. This role requires strategic supplier development, technology scouting, cost leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative sensing solutions into production.
How You'll Make an Impact:
  • Develop the Global Strategic Sourcing Strategies and objectives (short & long term) based on business needs, forecasts of future demand, economic & currency trends, and market supply conditions
  • Lead the end-to-end sourcing and procurement processes for camera components and modules, managing NDAs, RFIs/RFQs, Master Supplier Agreement negotiations, and General Terms & Conditions to ensure transparent and efficient business transactions
  • Establish the connection between GSM Strategy, Skydio's Business Strategy, and Production Strategy
  • Drive strategic negotiations and technology partnerships with suppliers of thermal imaging sensors, thermal camera modules, image sensors, optics, and integrated camera systems, aligning product roadmaps, quality standards, cost targets, and supply continuity requirements for Skydio's autonomous drone platforms.
  • Ensure Contribution Margins, leverage goals, and Cost Targets are achieved by cross-functional teams passionate about process improvement, cost mitigation, and supply chain enhancements.
  • Maintains effective supplier relationships by means of audits, visits, and evaluations to review areas such as capabilities, capacities, supplier fit, etc.
  • Identifies new or alternative sources to advance our technologies, ensure supply continuity, and/or cost competitiveness
  • Initiate and drive cost reduction initiatives that provide cost efficiency with quality and reliability
  • Continuously monitor advancements in thermal imaging technologies, infrared sensors, optics, image processing architectures, and camera systems to identify emerging technologies, supplier innovations, and strategic sourcing opportunities that improve system performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness.
  • Develop and maintain deep market intelligence on thermal imaging and camera ecosystems, including sensor suppliers, optics manufacturers, module integrators, calibration providers, and emerging technology partners.
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, and Manufacturing teams to influence camera and thermal sensing architecture decisions, balancing performance, supply risk, manufacturability, and total cost of ownership.
  • Communicates strategy to the Skydio organization (key internal collaborators) in order to gain accountability and buy off.

What Makes You a Good Fit:
  • MBA + BA/BS in a technical field
  • A minimum 5 years of experience with high impact commodities and technically complex components in Strategic Sourcing and Procurement
  • 5+ years of experience sourcing technically complex camera, optical, imaging, or thermal sensing technologies, with direct experience managing thermal camera, infrared sensor, or advanced imaging supply chains strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of thermal imaging technologies, including thermal camera modules, infrared detectors, LWIR sensing technologies, optics, image quality considerations, calibration methodologies, and system-level performance tradeoffs.
  • Experience leading supplier selection, qualification, and commercial negotiations for camera modules, thermal imaging systems, image sensors, optics, or related advanced sensing technologies.
  • Interpreting Drawing/Specifications, Cost Analysis, and Commodity Value Stream Mapping
  • Ability to do Supplier Assessments and Commodity Market Analysis
  • Ability to technically discuss critical elements of the commodity's Form, Fit and Function
  • Experience in manufacturing - operations, planning, engineering, supply management, or procurement.
  • Experience with GSM, Production, and NPI processes and systems.
  • Experience effectively working independently (when appropriate) and collaboratively
  • Experience presenting to all levels of an organization, including the C-Suite.
  • Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $198,000. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company's policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location.
#LI-JC1
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

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