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Drone Operator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop protection products; handling ...

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop protection products; handling ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ...

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ...

Showing results 41-60

Drone Operator Pilot information

What is a drone operator pilot?

Drone Operator Pilots are professionals trained to control and navigate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They are responsible for planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight checks, and safely operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, or delivery services. In addition to piloting the drones, they may also be required to analyze data collected during flights and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Drone Operator Pilots often work for private companies, government agencies, or as independent contractors, and must typically obtain relevant certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially.

How much do drone operator pilots earn?

Drone operator pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certified pilots with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection can earn higher wages, especially when working for commercial or government clients.

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

AspectDrone Operator PilotDrone Technician
CredentialsRemote Pilot Certification, FAA Part 107Technical certifications, repair licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial operationsIndoor repair shops, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageAerial photography, surveying, inspectionsEquipment maintenance, repairs

Drone Operator Pilots focus on flying drones for various applications, requiring pilot certifications. Drone Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, requiring technical skills. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but serve different functions.

Can you make good money as a drone operator pilot?

Drone operator pilots can earn varying incomes depending on experience, industry, and type of work, with freelance pilots often charging hourly or project-based rates. Salaries for full-time positions typically range from moderate to high, especially for specialized skills like aerial photography, surveying, or inspection services, and additional certifications can enhance earning potential.

Is there a demand for drone operator pilots?

The demand for drone operator pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and inspection services. Certified pilots with skills in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and knowledge of relevant regulations are increasingly sought after as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are some common challenges drone operator pilots face when working on field assignments?

Drone Operator Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining compliance with evolving aviation regulations, and ensuring safe flight operations in complex environments. Field assignments may require quick troubleshooting of technical issues with the drone or its equipment and effective communication with team members and clients to meet project goals. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing these challenges is crucial for successful missions and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operator Pilot, you need strong technical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often backed by a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA or equivalent authority. Proficiency with drone control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you adapt to changing environments and coordinate safely with teams or clients. These skills ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations that meet project objectives and regulatory standards.
More about Drone Operator Pilot jobs
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What states have the most Drone Operator Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Operator Pilot jobs include:

Drone Operator / Jobsite Media Specialist

AllJax, Inc.

Dade City, FL โ€ข On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

AllJax, Inc. is seeking a dependable and skilled Drone Operator / Jobsite Media Specialist to capture footage of active job sites and company operations.
Drone operation is the primary responsibility of this position. The person in this role will travel to job sites, coordinate with field crews, and capture high-quality aerial video and photography that clearly documents project progress, equipment operation, site conditions, and completed work.
The employee may also assist with ground-level photography and video capture when needed. However, this is primarily a field-based drone operation position, not a social media management, digital marketing, or video editing role. AllJax will handle content planning, editing, publishing, and marketing strategy.
Responsibilities
  • Travel to active job sites throughout the company’s service area
  • Operate a drone to capture high-quality aerial video and photography
  • Document project conditions, progress, equipment operation, and completed work from the air
  • Monitor weather, airspace, battery levels, equipment condition, and other factors affecting safe drone operation
  • Follow all FAA regulations, company procedures, and jobsite safety requirements
  • Review footage to confirm it is clear, stable, properly framed, and usable
  • Organize, label, upload, and maintain drone footage and media files
  • Maintain and care for drones, batteries, controllers, memory cards, and related equipment
  • Assist with ground-level video and photography when additional footage is needed
  • Identify useful angles, equipment activity, project milestones, and visual documentation opportunities
Required Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Strong understanding of FAA drone regulations and controlled airspace requirements
  • Ability to plan and complete safe drone flights around active job sites
  • Experience capturing clear, stable, and professional-quality aerial footage
  • Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in Florida heat, humidity, sun, dust, and changing weather conditions
  • Comfortable working around active construction sites, trucks, machinery, noise, uneven terrain, and moving equipment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with management and field crews
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience filming construction, excavation, heavy equipment, landscaping, environmental work, or other outdoor operations
  • Experience with multiple drone models, camera settings, flight modes, and stabilization systems
  • Experience capturing ground-level photography and video
  • Familiarity with smartphones, cameras, action cameras, stabilizers, and microphones
  • Basic knowledge of photo and video file organization
  • Basic editing experience is helpful but not required
Working Conditions
This is primarily an outdoor and field-based position. The employee will regularly travel to active job sites and may spend full workdays outside.
The work environment may include heat, humidity, direct sunlight, dust, dirt, noise, mud, uneven ground, and changing weather conditions. The employee must be able to safely move around active job sites while carrying and operating drone and camera equipment.
Compliance with all company safety procedures and required personal protective equipment is mandatory.
Position Details
  • Full-time, depending on experience, availability, and fit
  • Primarily field-based with frequent local travel
  • Schedule may vary based on project locations, crew schedules, weather, and flight conditions
  • Drone and camera equipment may be provided depending on experience and existing equipment
  • Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and availability
Company Description
AllJax, Inc. is a growing excavation and environmental services company serving communities throughout West Central Florida. We are committed to quality work, safe operations, dependable service, and creating opportunities for employees to grow with the company.