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Drone Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy

Drone Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

Opportunities for growth and advancement in a nationally recognized Top 100 ENR contractor Apply Today Take your career to new heights with Trumbull Corporation. If you're passionate about drone ...

DeAngelo Contracting Services

Drone Spray Technician

Muncie, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Our employees provide innovative, safe, and high-quality infrastructure/maintenance contracting ... Perform drone spray applications in an industrial environment * Operate in full compliance with FAA ...

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How much do drone contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone contractor in the United States is $31.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Drone Contractor, you need expertise in drone piloting, aerial photography or data collection, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by an FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone flight software, mapping tools, and image processing systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients set top contractors apart. These skills ensure safe operations, high-quality deliverables, and successful client relationships in a rapidly evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by drone contractors when working on client projects?

Drone contractors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex airspace regulations, managing weather-related delays, and ensuring data security for sensitive client information. Additionally, coordinating with clients to clearly define project requirements and deliverables can be demanding, especially when expectations differ. Staying updated on evolving technology and maintaining equipment are also key aspects to manage for successful project completion.

What are Drone Contractors?

Drone contractors are professionals or companies hired to operate drones for various commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspections, agriculture, and more. They provide specialized services using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and are typically certified and comply with aviation regulations. Drone contractors often work on a project basis, offering expertise in data collection, analysis, and safe drone operation for clients across industries.

What is the difference between Drone Contractor vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone ContractorDrone Pilot
Credentials/CertificationsOften requires FAA Part 107 certification, business licenses, and insuranceTypically requires FAA Part 107 certification, may not need business licenses
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed or contracted work, multiple clients, project-basedEmployed or contracted, operating drones for specific missions
Employer/Industry UsageProvides services to various industries like real estate, agriculture, filmPerforms drone flights for clients or employers in similar industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The main difference is that a Drone Contractor typically manages their own business, handling multiple clients and projects, while a Drone Pilot usually works as an individual operator performing drone flights for clients. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, but the contractor often handles additional responsibilities like licensing, insurance, and business management.

More about Drone Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Drone Contractor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Contractor jobs? The most popular types of Drone Contractor jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Contractor jobs are:
Drone Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Locum Tenens, 11% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $65,308 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Drone Pilot

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Drone Pilot (UAS) - Construction & Surveying

Trumbull Corporation

Build your career from a new perspective-literally.

Trumbull Corporation, a nationally recognized leader in heavy civil and highway construction, is seeking a skilled and motivated Drone Pilot (UAS) to support our growing field technology and surveying operations. This is an exciting opportunity to combine cutting-edge drone technology with real-world infrastructure projects that shape communities.

What You'll Do

As a Drone Pilot at Trumbull, you'll play a critical role in capturing, analyzing, and delivering high-quality aerial data to support construction planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan and execute weekly drone missions using RTK-enabled UAV systems
  • Capture high-resolution aerial imagery, video, and photogrammetry data
  • Conduct pre-flight planning and safety checks in compliance with FAA regulations
  • Perform site mapping, topographic surveys, and volumetric analysis
  • Monitor construction progress and deliver visual reports to project teams
  • Inspect structures, infrastructure, and job sites using drone technology
  • Process and analyze data using Pix4D, AgTek, CAD, and related platforms
  • Generate orthomosaic maps, 3D models, and progress documentation
  • Maintain drone equipment, sensors, batteries, and flight logs
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, surveyors, and field teams
  • Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107, PennDOT, and PA Turnpike regulations

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is both technically capable and field-ready-someone who thrives working independently while supporting a larger team.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in GIS, Surveying, Engineering, or related field preferred
  • Experience operating commercial UAV/drone platforms
  • FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain) strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with photogrammetry, GIS, and mapping software
  • Experience with CAD or BIM software is a plus
  • Understanding of construction workflows and site safety practices
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret aerial data
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and reporting skills
  • Self-starter with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

Physical & Work Environment

  • Ability to lift up to 100 lbs. occasionally and 50 lbs. frequently
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and working in outdoor environments
  • Work performed in varying weather conditions and at heights

Why Join Trumbull Corporation?

  • Work on impactful infrastructure projects across the region
  • Be at the forefront of construction technology and innovation
  • Join a company known for Safety, Quality, Integrity, Family, and Community
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement in a nationally recognized Top 100 ENR contractor

Apply Today

Take your career to new heights with Trumbull Corporation. If you're passionate about drone technology, construction, and delivering precision data that drives results-we want to hear from you.

Individuals with Disabilities: PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group wants all interested and qualified candidates to be able to use the career site to review and apply for employment opportunities. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this site, please contact us for assistance at 412.807.2000 or email us at careers@pjdick.com.

PJ Dick-Trumbull-The Lindy Group strives to create a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment in which all teams can excel.

We are an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contracting Employer and welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates, including covered veterans, minorities, females, and people with disabilities. Our policy is clear: We do not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law.

To view our EEO policy, click here; to view our Section 503 and VEVRAA Affirmative Action Policy, click here.

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