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Drone Mapping Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel ... mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways. * Be responsible for the ...

3D SURVEY CONSULTANTS

Be Seen First

Surveyor - Construction Surveyor - Entry Level

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Machine Control Technicians * Drone Operators (Part 107) Who We Are3D Survey Consultants ... Mapping, and GPS Machine Control. Our projects include: * Highway & Bridge Construction * DOD ...

Morrison-Maierle

Entry Land Survey Technician

Billings, MT · On-site

$55K - $72K/yr

THE ROLE As an entry-level survey technician, you will thrive under the guidance of a Professional ... Familiarity with Trimble survey systems, data processing software, drone mapping, and 3D laser ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

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Drone Mapping Entry Level information

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$15

$22

$29

How much do drone mapping entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone mapping entry level in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone mapping entry level professional?

To thrive as a Drone Mapping Entry Level professional, you need basic knowledge of UAV operation, mapping principles, and a relevant FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone mapping software (such as Pix4D or DroneDeploy), GPS systems, and data processing tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you manage flight missions and deliver accurate results. These skills and qualifications are crucial for collecting and processing geospatial data safely and efficiently, enabling high-quality mapping outputs.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in drone mapping, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level professionals in drone mapping often face challenges such as mastering complex mapping software, interpreting aerial data accurately, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Overcoming these challenges typically involves hands-on practice with both drones and mapping tools, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and staying updated on local drone laws. Many organizations also provide structured onboarding and ongoing training to help new hires become proficient and confident in the field.

What is the difference between Drone Mapping Entry Level vs Drone Survey Technician?

AspectDrone Mapping Entry LevelDrone Survey Technician
CertificationsFAA Part 107, basic drone operationFAA Part 107, additional survey-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, fieldwork, data collectionOutdoor, fieldwork, data collection
Industry UsageConstruction, agriculture, real estateConstruction, mining, infrastructure

Drone Mapping Entry Level and Drone Survey Technician roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on outdoor data collection. However, Drone Survey Technicians often require additional survey-specific skills and certifications, making their role more specialized in precise measurements and infrastructure projects.

What is a drone mapping entry level job?

Drone Mapping Entry Level jobs involve using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to capture aerial imagery and data for mapping purposes. People in these roles assist with flight planning, data collection, and processing the information into maps or 3D models under the supervision of experienced professionals. These positions are ideal for individuals new to the field and often require basic knowledge of drones, attention to detail, and the ability to learn software used in mapping. They are commonly found in industries such as construction, agriculture, surveying, and environmental monitoring.
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Drone Mapping Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Mapping Entry Level job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Turner Mining Group

Remote

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.
IMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.
  • Develop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Employ thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
  • Employ proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.
  • Ensure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.
  • Perform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.
  • Serve as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.
  • Interact with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.
  • Manual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.
  • Strong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.
  • Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.
  • Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.
  • Perform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.
  • Willingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive for extended periods.
  • Working around industrial hazards

Qualifications and Skills
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Provided by Company:
  • Company Truck
  • Company Phone
  • Company Laptop
  • Company Drones
  • Hotels covered by company
  • Daily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel

Work Location: On the road.

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