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Drone Hour Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Austin, TX Pay Range: $30.00 / hour on Experis W2 What's the Job? * Assist in the development and testing of advanced safety-related technologies for aerospace and drone applications. * Participate ...

Drone Operator

Medford, OR · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Drone Operator Pay: $36.00 - $41.00 per hour Schedule: Full Time About the Company A leading organization in the power delivery and energy sector is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 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 can you get paid for drone work?

Drone operators can earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Freelance drone pilots or those working for companies may also charge per project, with rates varying accordingly. Certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher pay in this field.

What are Drone Hour jobs?

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.

How much do drone pilots make an hour?

Drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drone operations. Certified pilots with specialized skills or working in commercial sectors may earn higher wages, especially for aerial photography, surveying, or inspection services.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial cinematography, infrastructure inspection, or surveying, often requiring advanced skills and certifications. These positions can pay from $50,000 to over $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and project complexity.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has experimented with using drone pilots for delivery and inventory tasks, but specific pay rates for drone pilots are not publicly disclosed. Generally, drone pilot salaries in the industry range from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification requirements such as Part 107. Compensation may also include benefits and opportunities for overtime or bonuses based on performance and project scope.

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.
More about Drone Hour jobs
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What states have the most Drone Hour jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Hour jobs include:
Drone Piloting Teaching Opportunities

Drone Piloting Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

Los Angeles, CA

$50/hr

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Drone Piloting Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Middle and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide drone piloting and aviation enrichment services for students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, available drones, classroom resources, flight space, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, instructional resources, project ideas, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

Some assignments may introduce students to concepts related to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Programs are educational in nature and are not intended to guarantee certification or examination outcomes.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and aviation sessions;

• Introduce students to drone flight fundamentals, aviation concepts, safety procedures, and responsible drone operation through hands-on learning activities;

• Adapt instruction based on student experience levels, site requirements, available equipment, and program objectives;

• Guide students through flight exercises, mission planning, problem-solving activities, and introductory FAA Part 107 concepts, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, technology, emergency, student-protection, and drone operation procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Drone components, controls, and pre-flight inspections;

• Safe and responsible drone operation;

• Basic flight maneuvers, navigation, and control techniques;

• Flight planning, airspace awareness, and weather considerations;

• FAA regulations and introductory Part 107 concepts, where appropriate;

• Drone applications in photography, mapping, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, engineering, and other industries;

• Mission-based challenges, teamwork, and problem-solving activities; and

• Careers in aviation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and related STEM fields.

Specific curriculum, drone platforms, flight activities, available equipment, and instructional requirements vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Experience operating drones and knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS);

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate preferred for many assignments; some assignments may specifically require current certification;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Ability to demonstrate safe drone operation while fostering critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and student engagement.

Preferred backgrounds may include FAA-certified remote pilots, drone instructors, aviation educators, commercial drone operators, engineers, STEM educators, photographers, surveyors, public safety professionals, military veterans with UAS experience, and others with relevant instructional or technical experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided drones, batteries, controllers, flight simulators, Chromebooks, tablets, curriculum resources, lesson plans, FAA educational materials, and other instructional resources, where available.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, proof of FAA certification (where applicable), or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.