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Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation: Commensurate with experience Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client Position Overview FocusPoint ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (72213)

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the creation of commercials, local news features, branded content, and ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73286)

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $35/hr

As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window ...

New

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 Robles, CA. You'll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (73294)

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation). * Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.

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Drone Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators during field operations?

Drone operators often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, maintaining compliance with local aviation regulations, and troubleshooting technical issues with equipment in the field. Additionally, they may need to coordinate closely with team members or clients on-site to ensure safety and meet project objectives. Effective communication and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to mitigate risks and complete missions successfully.

What is a drone operator?

Drone operators are professionals who pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, mapping, agriculture, and delivery services. They are responsible for planning flights, operating the drone safely, capturing data or images, and maintaining equipment. Drone operators must comply with aviation regulations, ensure safe flight paths, and often analyze the data collected during their missions. The job requires technical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certification depending on the country and type of operation.

What is the difference between Drone Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certificationFAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentIndoor/outdoor, various industriesOutdoor, primarily flight operations
Employer & IndustryMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilmmaking, surveying, inspection
Common Search IntentOperational roles, job descriptionsFlying, piloting, flight skills

While both Drone Operators and Drone Pilots require FAA Part 107 certification and often work in similar environments, Drone Operators typically focus on managing drone operations, data collection, and payload handling. Drone Pilots primarily focus on flying the drone, ensuring safe and precise flight. The roles often overlap, but Drone Operators may handle more of the operational planning and data processing, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on the actual flight execution.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight control software, GPS systems, and camera operation is crucial for effective and safe operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set standout operators apart, especially when working in teams or with clients. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality drone operations across diverse industries such as surveying, videography, and inspection.
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Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.

Drone Operator

FOCUSPOINT

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position: Drone Operator (Swing Shift)
Location: Brentwood, TN
Employment Type: Full Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client

Position Overview

FocusPoint is partnering with a forward‑thinking organization seeking an experienced Drone Operator to support advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations across multiple facilities. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional who thrives in a technology‑driven environment and is motivated by improving safety, operational efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. The position operates on a swing shift schedule and requires periodic travel to client sites.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Flight Operations

  • Lead and support mission planning, including developing use cases, flight plans, and operational checklists.
  • Conduct routine and specialized drone flights, including BVLOS operations where permitted.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment to support time‑sensitive or emergency response needs.
  • Identify opportunities to expand the use of drone technology to enhance safety, productivity, and cost‑effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Stay current on all federal, state, and local UAS regulations.
  • Ensure all flight operations meet applicable compliance, documentation, and reporting standards.

Safety & Risk Management

  • Implement and uphold safety protocols for all drone operations.
  • Conduct ongoing risk assessments and maintain incident reporting procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety and operational discipline within the drone program.

Data Acquisition & Analysis

  • Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced drone platforms.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and analysts to extract insights from collected data.
  • Manage the delivery of reports and ensure accuracy and completeness of all outputs.

Team Communication & Leadership

  • Maintain operational awareness through consistent communication and updates.
  • Support a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross‑team collaboration.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of experience in a related industry.
  • Demonstrated experience operating drones in complex or industrial environments.
  • Strong understanding of UAS technology, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Experience with mission planning, data collection, and technology implementation.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.

Core Values & Competencies

The ideal candidate embodies:

  • Safety & Discipline — Commitment to safe operations and procedural excellence.
  • Accountability — Ownership of work and high performance standards.
  • Integrity & Respect — Transparent communication and ethical decision‑making.
  • Growth Mindset — Continuous improvement and openness to innovation.
  • Curiosity — Willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new solutions.

Work Environment

  • Shift: Swing shift (evening hours, Monday–Friday).
  • Travel: Approximately 10% to client sites.
  • Environment: Field operations combined with office‑based data processing and planning.

Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.

How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.

About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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