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Drone Hour Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... Swing shift (evening hours, Monday-Friday). * Travel: Approximately 10% to client sites.

Livenation

Drone RPIC

West Valley City, UT

Observe the drone during preprogrammed flight paths. * As needed, manually control the drone, while ... Ability to stay stagnant for multiple hours * Proficiency in Microsoft products (word, excel, power ...

Bear Country Inc

Drone Show Designer

Caledonia, WI

Summary: Northern Lights Drone Shows is seeking a Drone Show Designer that's excited to bring ... Full-time hours can be offered. Spring/summer/fall time periods are the busiest with possible ...

Live Events

Drone Pilot

New Castle, PA · On-site

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work The typical work schedule for this position follows a ... Completion of a recognized drone pilot training program. * Knowledge of FAA regulations and best ...

Eberl Claims Service

Iowa Drone Pilots (Iowa)

Iowa, LA · On-site

Join to apply for the Iowa Drone Pilots role at Eberl Claims Service . We are looking for skilled ... Adequate equipment to provide 8+ hour daily workload. Qualifications * Strong verbal and written ...

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Drone Hour information

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$42K

$73.7K

$105.5K

How much do drone hour jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone hour in the United States is $73,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone hour?

Drone Hour jobs typically involve operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspections, or delivery services. Professionals in these roles are responsible for safely piloting drones, capturing data or images, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Drone Hour jobs may also require maintenance of drone equipment and keeping detailed flight logs. These positions are in demand in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, and media. To qualify, drone operators often need certification from relevant aviation authorities.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators during field missions and how are they addressed?

Drone Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining line-of-sight, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Additionally, technical issues like battery limitations and equipment malfunctions can arise unexpectedly. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough pre-flight planning, ongoing equipment maintenance, and staying up-to-date with local regulations. Collaboration with team members, such as spotters and data analysts, is also crucial for safe and effective operations.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor equipment is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and compliance with legal standards, which are crucial for delivering quality results in aerial data collection or videography.

What is the difference between Drone Hour vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone HourDrone Pilot
Required CredentialsNone specific; may include basic safety trainingFAA Part 107 certification or equivalent
Work EnvironmentVaries; often includes outdoor, on-site locationsOutdoor and indoor settings, depending on assignments
Industry UsageUsed as a billing or time-tracking metricLicensed professionals operating drones for various tasks
Common Search IntentUnderstanding billing or time-based workFinding qualified drone operators or licensing info

Drone Hour typically refers to the billing or time-tracking unit for drone services, while a Drone Pilot is a licensed professional authorized to operate drones. The two are related but serve different purposes: one is a measurement, the other a role. Understanding this distinction helps clients and workers navigate drone service offerings and licensing requirements effectively.

How much do drone operators make per hour?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Certified operators with specialized skills in aerial photography, videography, or surveying may earn higher wages, especially when working on commercial projects or for specialized industries.
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What states have the most Drone Hour jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Hour jobs include:

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Drone Hour jobs near you

Drone Operator

FOCUSPOINT

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position: Drone Operator (Swing Shift)
Location: Brentwood, TN
Employment Type: Full Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client

Position Overview

FocusPoint is partnering with a forward‑thinking organization seeking an experienced Drone Operator to support advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations across multiple facilities. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional who thrives in a technology‑driven environment and is motivated by improving safety, operational efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. The position operates on a swing shift schedule and requires periodic travel to client sites.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Flight Operations

  • Lead and support mission planning, including developing use cases, flight plans, and operational checklists.
  • Conduct routine and specialized drone flights, including BVLOS operations where permitted.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment to support time‑sensitive or emergency response needs.
  • Identify opportunities to expand the use of drone technology to enhance safety, productivity, and cost‑effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Stay current on all federal, state, and local UAS regulations.
  • Ensure all flight operations meet applicable compliance, documentation, and reporting standards.

Safety & Risk Management

  • Implement and uphold safety protocols for all drone operations.
  • Conduct ongoing risk assessments and maintain incident reporting procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety and operational discipline within the drone program.

Data Acquisition & Analysis

  • Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced drone platforms.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and analysts to extract insights from collected data.
  • Manage the delivery of reports and ensure accuracy and completeness of all outputs.

Team Communication & Leadership

  • Maintain operational awareness through consistent communication and updates.
  • Support a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross‑team collaboration.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of experience in a related industry.
  • Demonstrated experience operating drones in complex or industrial environments.
  • Strong understanding of UAS technology, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Experience with mission planning, data collection, and technology implementation.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.

Core Values & Competencies

The ideal candidate embodies:

  • Safety & Discipline — Commitment to safe operations and procedural excellence.
  • Accountability — Ownership of work and high performance standards.
  • Integrity & Respect — Transparent communication and ethical decision‑making.
  • Growth Mindset — Continuous improvement and openness to innovation.
  • Curiosity — Willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new solutions.

Work Environment

  • Shift: Swing shift (evening hours, Monday–Friday).
  • Travel: Approximately 10% to client sites.
  • Environment: Field operations combined with office‑based data processing and planning.

Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.

How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.

About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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