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Drone Flying Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

Candidate will also be involved with drone technology work including flying drones. 3-5years of SW dev experience (C, Python...) Familiar with Qualcomm MSM chipsets 3years of Linux Experience.

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Drone Flying information

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$25

$60

$106

How much do drone flying jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone flying in the United States is $60.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $76.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, manual dexterity, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help pilots manage risks and coordinate with clients or teams. These skills ensure safe operations, compliance with legal standards, and the delivery of high-quality aerial results.

How much money can you make flying drones?

Drone flying jobs can pay from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of work, such as photography, videography, or inspections. Freelance drone pilots with certifications and specialized skills may earn higher rates, and some jobs are project-based or hourly. Income varies widely based on the complexity of tasks and client demand.

What are some common challenges drone pilots face when operating drones in different environments?

Drone pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating strict airspace regulations, adapting to varying weather conditions, and maintaining clear communication with team members during operations. Urban environments may present obstacles like signal interference and limited GPS accuracy, while rural or remote locations can pose accessibility and safety concerns. Staying current with evolving technologies and compliance requirements is also essential for successful and safe flight operations.

Can I make a career out of flying drones?

A career in drone flying involves roles such as drone operator, aerial photographer, or survey technician, often requiring certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations. Opportunities exist in industries like filmmaking, agriculture, construction, and inspection, with jobs typically requiring skills in piloting, navigation, and data analysis.

How do I get a job flying drones?

To get a job flying drones, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Experience with drone operation, understanding of safety regulations, and proficiency with drone controls are also important for employment in industries like photography, surveying, or inspection.

What is a drone pilot?

Drone pilots are individuals trained to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for a variety of purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, deliveries, or recreational flying. They are responsible for planning flights, ensuring the safety of operations, and adhering to aviation regulations. Depending on the job, drone pilots may need to obtain certifications or licenses, especially when flying drones commercially. Their work often involves both manual flight and programming automated flight paths using specialized software.

What is the difference between Drone Flying vs Drone Photography?

AspectDrone FlyingDrone Photography
Required CredentialsDrone pilot certification, FAA Part 107 licenseSame as Drone Flying, plus photography skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, various locations, open spacesOutdoor or indoor, often in scenic or event settings
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, inspection, surveying, recreationMedia, advertising, real estate, events
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Drone Flying involves operating drones primarily for navigation, inspection, or recreation, requiring pilot certification. Drone Photography combines flying skills with photography expertise to capture images or videos, often for commercial or artistic purposes. While both roles require drone operation certification, Drone Photography emphasizes visual content creation, making it popular in media and marketing industries.

More about Drone Flying jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Flying jobs? Cities with the most Drone Flying job openings:
What states have the most Drone Flying jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Flying jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drone Flying job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,385 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Summer School Drone Summer Camp Instructor

Washtenaw Area Schools Application Consortium

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$700/day

Temporary

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


Job Title: 2026 Drone Summer Camp Instructor


Location: Tappan Middle School


Duration: 1-week summer session (July 6th-10th) + preparation training time of 1 day (July


2nd)
Compensation: $700 stipend for camp (5 days) and $100 for training before camp (1 day)


Reports To: Camp Director / Program Coordinator: Cynthia Heraud


Position Summary:
The Drone Summer Camp Instructor will lead hands-on instructional sessions as part of the
"Our Place in Space: Drones for a Purpose" drones and engineering summer camp. This role
involves teaching middle school students (grades 68), with a focus on engaging
underrepresented minorities and females in STEM. The instructor will guide students through
the engineering design process using drones, simulation software, and real-world challenges
related to space and flight.







Key Responsibilities:
 Plan and facilitate engaging daily lessons centered on drone flight, coding, and
simulation tools.
 Support students in building, flying, and testing EMAX drones with attention to safety
and skill development.
 Integrate NGSS-aligned content and space technology themes into instruction.
 Utilize simulation platforms (e.g., Liftoff or alternatives) to reinforce drone control, flight
safety, and piloting techniques.
 Promote collaboration, inquiry, and teamwork through student-led challenges.
 Assist students in identifying and solving real-world problems through engineering and
drone applications.
 Maintain an inclusive, respectful, and encouraging environment for all learners.
 Track student progress and support camp evaluations through pre- and post-surveys.
Participate in a brief training/prep period prior to the camp week. ($300 Stipend)














Qualifications:
 Background in STEM education, engineering, robotics, or aviation (teaching license
preferred but not required).
 Experience working with middle school students, ideally in hands-on or project-based
learning environments.
 Familiarity with drone operation, coding (block or text-based), and engineering concepts.
 Passion for equity in STEM education and experience working with diverse student
populations.
 Strong classroom management, communication, and teamwork skills.









Preferred Experience:
 Knowledge of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway curriculum.
 Experience Teaching and Working with Middle School Students
 Experience using drone simulation tools or teaching aviation-related content.
 Prior experience with Emax Drones or Drones





LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance
instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of people.




MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers,
common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and
interpret bar graphs.




REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written,
oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in
standardized situations.




PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand
and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at
the neck more than the average person While performing the duties of this job, the employee
may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The
employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed
material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple
demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.












WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The
noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the
particular part of the day and location.






METHOD OF APPLICATION:
All applicants must apply online at A2schools.org >> District Links >> Job Postings