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Drone Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Exodigo

Field Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai) * Identify underground assets using advance technology in a variety of sensors ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

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 ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

Conduct and oversee commercial drone operations in accordance with applicable regulations and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess flight ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

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 ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

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 ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

Conduct and oversee commercial drone operations in accordance with applicable regulations and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess flight ...

Cascadia Global Security

Engineering Manager

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Partner closely with Product, Drone Operations, and Business Development teams * Bring engineering ... Familiarity with law enforcement, defense, or public safety operating environments * Ability to ...

Cascadia Global Security

Engineering Manager

Tempe, AZ · On-site

... drone-based solutions to supplement traditional manned guarding. The company is actively expanding ... operating environments • Ability to quickly operate with context and credibility in mission ...

Cascadia Global Security

Engineering Manager

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Partner closely with Product, Drone Operations, and Business Development teams * Bring engineering ... Familiarity with law enforcement, defense, or public safety operating environments * Ability to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in Arizona

Drone Operator information

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How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Arizona is $21.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Do drone operators make money?

Drone operators can earn varying incomes depending on their experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often get paid per project, hourly, or through contracts, with salaries ranging from entry-level to experienced professionals earning higher wages. Certification and skills in operating different drone types can also influence earning potential.

How do you become 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. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety regulations, and having technical skills with drone equipment are important for the role.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in flight safety, navigation, and data collection, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in Arizona?

For Drone Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operator jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operator jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Drone Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Drone Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in AZ?

For Drone Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,666 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Field Operator

Exodigo

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Exodigo is the leading underground mapping solution for non-intrusive discovery. Our platforms combine multi-sensor fusion, 3D imaging, and AI technologies to create complete, accurate underground maps that enable confident decision-making for customers across the built world. We transform the project lifecycle for our customers, who include key community stakeholders in the utilities, transportation and government sectors.

We are experiencing sky-rocketing growth and closed a historically large $96M Series B round in July of 2025.


Job description:

As field operation technician, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of this job:

• Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai)

• Identify underground assets using advance technology in a variety of sensors

(Electromagnetic, magnetic, metal, GPR, seismic and more)

• Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers

• Document interactions, site information and operation reports in organizational software.

• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize the construction, transportation and utility industries.


Learn more:

Our mission is to power the next era of underground exploration – saving time, money, lives, and the planet. We are focused, intentional, confident, and hard working. We solve big problems, but we are approachable, open-minded, and love hard questions.

You can learn more about us on our website or check out this short video.

Apply on our careers page, via Linkedin or send your resume to taylor.pomerantz@exodigo.ai


Requirements:

• Strong attention to detail

• Passion for accuracy

• Must have flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of the business, including domestic travel across the US (up to 100%).

• Physically demanding- must be able to stand and walk up to eight hours per day, and work at night shifts at times.

• Able to handle equipment when loading and unloading weighing between 20 and 40 lbs.

• Driver’s License and the ability to ride in a vehicle up to four hours to travel to and from job sites

The Ideal Candidate

• 2 years of experience with field operations, preferably within a startup environment.

• Ability to travel domestically to jobs in urban and remote environments across the United States

• Comfortable with 100% travel schedule

• Background in earth sciences, engineering, construction or utility mapping is highly desired

• Technological savvy, ability to troubleshoot technological issues on-site

• Excellent English – mandatory (read/write/speak)

• Ability to work in a team-goal-oriented environment

• Comfortable working with a global team (U.S, Europe and Israel)

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to proactively recommend ideas and execute planned activities

• Experience with industries such as – transportation, utilities, and construction – a plus

• OSHA 10 Certificate- a plus

• FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus


Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT

Schedule: 100% Travel Monday - Friday

Location: Across US Metros within reasonable access to major airports such as New York, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, San Jose, etc.

Exodigo encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants without regard to characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.