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Drone Operations Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

Staffingine LLC

Drone Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$109K - $131K/yr

Drone Operations Data Execution * Plan execute and optimize drone missions for inspection surveillance mapping and monitoring use cases * Ensure reliable collection of highquality video image LiDAR ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are expanding our flight operations capability and opening a new role for a highly skilled drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This person ...

Tex-Air Drone

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... Key Responsibilities Field Operations & Flight Operations * Safely deploy professional mapping ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Retirement

About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in processing, analyzing, and delivering high-value geospatial data, aerial imagery, and inspection reports derived from drone operations.

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX

  • Retirement

About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in processing, analyzing, and delivering high-value geospatial data, aerial imagery, and inspection reports derived from drone operations.

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Retirement

About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in processing, analyzing, and delivering high-value geospatial data, aerial imagery, and inspection reports derived from drone operations.

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Texas

Drone Operations information

See Texas salary details

$10

$22

$45

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Texas is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drone Operations vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperationsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, safety trainingFAA Part 107 certification, flight training
Work EnvironmentTeam coordination, planning, and managementFlying drones, on-site or remote
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilming, surveying, inspection

Drone Operations involves managing drone missions, coordinating teams, and planning flights, often requiring additional project management skills. Drone Pilots focus primarily on flying drones and capturing footage or data. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Operations emphasizes coordination and planning, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on piloting skills and flight execution.

Is a drone operations a good career?

Drone operations is a growing field that involves piloting and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It typically requires certifications, technical skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations, making it a viable career option for those interested in technology and aviation. Job opportunities are expanding as drone technology becomes more widely adopted across sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in drone operations, and how can they be addressed?

Drone operations professionals frequently encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and maintaining equipment reliability. Adapting flight plans to sudden weather shifts and staying updated on evolving FAA regulations are essential for safe and legal operation. Additionally, effective pre- and post-flight maintenance routines help minimize technical issues. Collaborating closely with team members, such as airspace coordinators and data analysts, ensures that missions are completed efficiently and safely.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety protocols, and mastering drone controls and regulations are important steps in the process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operations specialist?

To thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of aviation regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and various drone platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you manage missions safely and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations across a range of industries.

Are drone operations in high demand?

Drone operations professionals are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and film production due to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Skills in piloting, maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects as the industry expands.

What are drone operations?

Drone operations refer to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, mapping, delivery, and surveillance. These operations involve planning flight paths, piloting drones, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collecting or analyzing data captured by the drone. Drone operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, public safety, and logistics, depending on the mission and type of drone used. Safety, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements are key aspects of successful drone operations.

What do drone operations get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $35,000 to over $70,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with certifications and specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. Pay may also vary based on whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Texas?

For Drone Operations jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $46,432 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Drone Pilot

TSMG

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data. 

Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and videography.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections.
  • Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition.
  • Follow all FAA regulations and safety guidelines during drone operations.
  • Plan flight paths and adjust them as necessary based on environmental conditions.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret aerial data for reporting and project needs.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met.
  • Maintain detailed records of flights, including time, locations, and data collected.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drone equipment.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to drone operations.
Qualifications:
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience operating drones in various settings.
  • Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software).
  • Excellent spatial awareness and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with specific drone models (e.g., DJI, Parrot).
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry and GIS applications.
  • Previous experience in (e.g., construction, agriculture, film).
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.