ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

DZYNE Technologies

Inventory Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

We are seeking a meticulous, hands-on Inventory Specialist to support our fast-paced drone manufacturing operations. This role is central to material flow through receiving, put-away, kitting for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone Operations information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$27

$55

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Riverside, CA is $27.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.59 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.

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.

What do drone operators get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection may command higher wages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

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.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Yes, there is increasing demand for drone operators across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in flight safety, navigation, and using remote sensing tools, with job growth expected to continue as drone technology advances and regulations evolve.

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.

How do you get a job as a drone operator?

To become a drone operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Experience with drone flight, knowledge of safety protocols, and proficiency with drone equipment are also important for securing employment in this field.

Is drone operation a good career?

Drone operation is a growing field with opportunities in industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It typically requires certification, knowledge of aviation regulations, and technical skills with remote controls and software. The career can offer flexible schedules and the potential for advancement as drone technology evolves.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA? For Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone Operations job openings:
Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,950 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Safety and Compliance Officer, Prime Air

Safety and Compliance Officer, Prime Air

Amazon

Beaumont, CA

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,968 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Here at Amazon, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of diversity and inclusion of our teams within the organization.
How do you get items to customers quickly, cost-effectively, and-most importantly-safely, in less than an hour. And how do you do it in a way that can scale

Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been working hard to do just that. We are delivering to customers, and are excited for what's to come. Check out more information about Prime Air on the About Amazon blog
(https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-delivery-drone-reveal-photos).
If you are seeking an iterative environment where you can drive innovation, apply state-of-the-art technologies to solve real world delivery challenges, and provide benefits to customers, Prime Air is the place for you.
Come work on the Amazon Prime Air Team!
Prime Air is seeking a highly motivated and safety-conscious Flight Safety and Compliance Officer (SCO) to join our dynamic team

As the local safety and flight operations expert, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and compliant operation of our drone delivery fleet.
Key job responsibilities
- Audit flight monitors, ground crew, and operations to ensure adherence to safety standards and procedures.
- Monitor all aspects of safety at Prime Air delivery sites, including risk assessment and incident investigation.
- Assist in creating and maintaining accurate records for assigned flight crew as authorized.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for WHS regulatory partners during inspections and visits.
- Analyze operations data and safety metrics to identify trends and potential risks, and report findings to senior leadership.
- Conduct routine audits of operations, Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) site safety, and compliance, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Stay informed on and comply with all applicable Flight Safety, WHS, and Flight Operations regulations and procedures.
- Work collaboratively with all levels of the organization to promote a strong safety culture.
- Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
Export Control License: This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Placement is contingent on Amazon's ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf.

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

View All Amazon Jobs

Apply