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Drone Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

Valcourt Group

Be Seen First

Drone Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. * Analyze building surfaces to develop efficient cleaning ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73286)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. * Analyze building surfaces to develop efficient cleaning ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure operational readiness. * Conduct field ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload ...

HavocAI

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of ... Lead first article inspections and production acceptance testing with manufacturing partners.

Aerotek

Drone Electro-Mechanical Assembler

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... drone systems used in real-world operational environments. This hands-on role focuses on assembling ... Ability to inspect components visually and dimensionally to ensure compliance with specifications.

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Commercial Drone Operations Support We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day ... Perform operational readiness inspections and checklists * Manage batteries, charging equipment ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA

$70K - $91K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... Pre-flight and post-flight inspections and functional checks on testing equipment * Record test ...

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Drone Inspection information

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$19

$30

How much do drone inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone inspection in California is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone inspection?

A Drone Inspection job involves using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to assess structures, equipment, or land. Inspectors collect aerial data for industries like construction, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. This role helps identify issues such as damage, wear, or inefficiencies in hard-to-reach areas. Operators need skills in piloting drones, analyzing data, and following safety regulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drone inspection specialist?

As a Drone Inspection specialist, your daily tasks often include planning and executing drone flights, capturing high-quality images or sensor data, and reviewing that data for anomalies or issues related to the inspected structures or sites. You may also be responsible for maintaining the drone equipment, updating logs and flight documentation, and preparing detailed reports for stakeholders. Collaboration with engineers, safety officers, or project managers is common to ensure that inspection results meet project goals and regulatory requirements. The role can involve outdoor work in a variety of environments depending on the industry, from construction sites to energy infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone inspection position?

To thrive in Drone Inspection, you need in-depth knowledge of UAV flight operations, strong observational skills, and a background in fields such as engineering, construction, or utilities. Familiarity with drone piloting certifications (such as FAA Part 107 in the US), flight planning software, and high-resolution imaging or thermal sensors is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for analyzing data and reporting findings to clients or team members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inspections that meet regulatory and client standards.

How much do drone inspectors get paid?

Drone inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified drone pilots with specialized skills may earn higher salaries, especially in sectors like infrastructure inspection or energy.

How to get into drone inspection?

To pursue a career in drone inspection, individuals typically need a drone pilot certification, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States, and experience operating drones safely. Developing skills in aerial photography, data analysis, and understanding industry-specific inspection procedures can improve job prospects. Gaining hands-on experience through training programs or internships is also beneficial.

Is drone inspection certification worth it?

Drone inspection professionals often benefit from certification, as it demonstrates knowledge of safety protocols, regulations, and drone operation skills. Certification can improve job prospects and credibility but is not always mandatory, depending on industry and employer requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Inspection jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drone Inspection jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Inspection jobs in California?

For Drone Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Inspection jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Inspection jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Inspection jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Inspection job openings:

Drone Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,701 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Senior Electric System Inspector

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Fontana, CA • On-site

$60.03/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Senior Electric System Inspector at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll be in the Integrated Inspections group within SCE's Transmission and Distribution Operating Unit. You will be responsible for inspecting and identifying safety, reliability and environmental hazards on Transmission and Distribution assets, including utilizing drone technology.
As a Senior Electric System Inspector, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Identify General Orders 95 and 128 infractions, safety deficiencies, environmental and reliability hazards and wood pole integrity to ensure compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations and company requirements.
  • Perform public level repairs on poles and related structures.
  • Perform annual patrols on overhead circuits and prioritize repairs.
  • Reconcile differences between actual field conditions.
  • Identify and evaluate hazardous conditions, safety deficiencies, violations, and unsafe work practices.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 months experience of electrical inspections or completion of the equivalent of Journeyman Lineman 4th step apprenticeship.
  • Posses a valid Class C Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications
  • Three or more years of experience conducting electric utility industry construction and maintenance inspections.
  • Foundational knowledge of overhead electric infrastructure construction with the ability to learn detailed technical requirements quickly.
  • Experience conducting electric utility construction and maintenance inspections, including the use of drone inspection technologies. Less than 1
  • Certification in FAA Small UAS Rule (Part 107).
  • Experience with safe work practices, basic electrical theory, construction/maintenance standards (i.e., GO95 and GO128).
  • Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience interacting with customers and stakeholders to provide information, resolve issues, or address inquiries related to utility services.
  • Ability to learn and effectively use technology and software tools used for inspections.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • The primary work location for this position is Foothill S/C. However, the successful candidate may also be asked to work for an extended amount of time throughout service territory.
  • Position will require up to 20% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • This position is a 4/10 (Mon-Thurs) schedule.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • Must successfully pass the SCE required training program within one year of hire date, minimum of 600 inspections with a QC rating of 95% or higher within one year of hire date, and successful Drone pilot certification within two test attempts as a condition of continued employment.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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