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Drone Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Orlando, FL

$48K - $64K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Miami, FL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Tampa, FL

$48K - $65K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Philadelphia, PA

$52K - $69K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Miami, FL

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... Key Responsibilities Mission Planning & Flight Operations * Lead and support mission planning ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Charlotte, NC

$50K - $67K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Salt Lake City, UT

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Charlotte, NC

$50K - $67K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Cincinnati, OH

$49K - $66K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

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All JobsDrone Operations Jobs

Drone Operations information

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$11

$26

$53

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.29 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.
More about Drone Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities with the most Drone Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs? The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs are:
Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,588 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

UAS Operations Support Specialist

TSMG

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and operational coordination.Responsibilities

  • Support aircraft launch and recovery activities
  • Perform operational readiness inspections and checklists
  • Manage batteries, charging equipment, and related inventory
  • Assist with aircraft staging and field logistics
  • Support safety procedures and site operations
  • Maintain operational records and reporting
  • May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model

Requirements

  • Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical environments
  • Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
  • Ability to follow standardized procedures
  • Experience supporting commercial UAS operations is preferred
  • FAA Part 107 certification is a plus but not required

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.

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