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Drone Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valcourt Group

Be Seen First

Drone Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

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 ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$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

$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.

Scout AI

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

You'll lead the drone operator team, own the flight test pipeline, and run the live customer demonstrations to ensure systems are prepared for both internal testing and external deployment. You'll ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

Proven experience operating drones in various settings. * Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software). * Excellent spatial awareness and attention ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

Proven experience operating drones in various settings. * Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software). * Excellent spatial awareness and attention ...

Amazon

Prime Air Ops Manager , Amazon Prime Air

Beaumont, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drone operator and adhere to standards. - Ability to carry/lift up to 50 lbs., stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend and ...

SA Recycling

Draftsman-Surveyor

Orange, CA

Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software. • Drone operating experience. • Bilingual in English and Spanish *= Requirements for position. NOTE: Items without a "*" are not ...

SA Recycling

Draftsman-Surveyor

Orange, CA · On-site

Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software. • Drone operating experience. • Bilingual in English and Spanish *= Requirements for position. NOTE: Items without a "*" are not ...

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All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in California

Drone Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in California is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.59 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 the most commonly searched types of Drone Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drone Operator jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Operator job openings:

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

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

Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 72% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,303 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Drone Operator (73286)

Valcourt Building Services, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

With over 40 years of experience, HSG provides a full array of building exterior maintenance services for properties of all types, from commercial and residential towers to industrial, sports, and entertainment facilities. Property owners and managers across Southern California count on HSG for window cleaning, waterproofing and metal restoration, as well as bird control, glass scratch prevention and removal, pressure cleaning and much more.
About Valcourt Building Services
Valcourt Building Services is the premier provider of building maintenance solutions, offering innovative services that prioritize safety, quality, and client satisfaction. 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 cleaning services for mid-rise to high-rise buildings.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate the Drone for pressure washing and window cleaning, delivering exceptional results on mid-rise to high-rise buildings.
  • Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections of the drone to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
  • Analyze building surfaces to develop efficient cleaning strategies tailored to unique structural challenges.
  • Maintain precise control of the drone during cleaning operations to ensure safety and effectiveness without property damage.
  • Adhere to all FAA regulations, such as maintaining line-of-sight and avoiding restricted airspaces.
  • Follow OSHA standards and Valcourt's safety protocols to ensure the highest level of operational safety.
  • Prepare and execute site-specific work plans, including risk assessments and hazard mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure environmental compliance, including proper management of runoff and adherence to regulations.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the Drone, including cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure operational readiness.
  • Document project processes, including capturing before-and-after photos, preparing client reports, and maintaining detailed operational logs.
  • Promptly report technical issues, accidents, or near-misses to management and participate in resolution processes.
  • Collaborate with operations and site teams to coordinate access, water sources, and project schedules.
  • Maintain professional and clear communication with clients, providing updates and addressing any questions or concerns during the project.

Skills and Qualifications Required:
  • FAA Part 107 Certification (mandatory for commercial drone operation).
  • Proven experience in operating drones for commercial applications, preferably in pressure washing or building maintenance.
  • In-depth knowledge of drone operation laws and building safety standards.
  • Strong technical skills for troubleshooting and maintaining drone equipment.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, spatial awareness, and operational precision.
  • Physical ability to transport, set up, and manage drone equipment.
  • Basic understanding of building facades, pressure washing techniques, and water management.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for team collaboration and client interaction.

Preferred:
  • Experience operating the Drone or similar technology.
  • Familiarity with environmental compliance regulations for runoff and water management.
  • Background in window cleaning, pressure washing, or related building maintenance services.

Working Conditions:
  • Outdoors work in various weather conditions.
  • Frequent travel to job sites.
  • Adherence to Valcourt's comprehensive safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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