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Drone Operator Job Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kiewit Corporation

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Medford, OR · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role Position Overview Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead ...

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Drone Operator Job information

What drone job pays the most?

Commercial drone pilots working in industries such as oil and gas, construction, or film production tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually with experience and specialized skills. Advanced certifications, such as Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, and experience with high-end equipment can also increase earning potential.

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 involves passing a knowledge test. Experience with drone flight, understanding of safety regulations, and proficiency with drone controls and equipment are also important for securing employment in this field.

What do drone operators 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 in industries like film, agriculture, or inspection services. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence compensation.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in operating drones and understanding regulations, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What is the difference between Drone Operator Job vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Operator JobDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification typically required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, film sets, inspection sitesAerial photography, surveying, recreational flying
Employer & IndustryMedia, construction, agriculture, inspectionMedia production, real estate, surveying

While both roles involve flying drones, a Drone Operator generally manages drone operations, including setup and safety, often under supervision. A Drone Pilot usually refers to someone who actively flies the drone, especially for photography or surveying. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, but the term 'Drone Pilot' emphasizes the flying aspect more.

More about Drone Operator Job jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Operator Job jobs? Cities with the most Drone Operator Job job openings:
What states have the most Drone Operator Job jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Operator Job jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operator Job jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operator Job jobs are:
Drone Operator Job jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator Job job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Locum Tenens, 19% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Ona, WV

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 105 rated laboratories

Job description

Acuren is currently recruiting for a Drone Operators for various locations to support operations.


  • Organize and report test results
  • Perform specialized inspections
  • May instruct and supervise others
  • Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by management

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively perform assigned NDT tasks and interpret results of inspections
  • Knowledge of Drone equipment

 

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world’s largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

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