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Drone Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Meyer Najem

Carpenter

Indianapolis, IN

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Reality Capture * Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

Purdue University

Multimedia Producer

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$44K - $52K/yr

... operating cameras, setting up productions, and editing content for social, digital, and broadcast ... Skills in motion graphics and animation are highly valued, as is FAA Part 107 drone certification.

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Drone Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$21

$35

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Indiana is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.82 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.

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Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,609 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Amazon

Fort Wayne, IN

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Here at Amazon, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of diversity and inclusion of our teams within the organization.
How do you get items to customers quickly, cost-effectively, and-most importantly-safely, in less than an hour. And how do you do it in a way that can scale

Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been working hard to do just that. We are delivering to customers, and are excited for what's to come. Check out more information about Prime Air on the About Amazon blog (https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-delivery-drone-reveal-photos)

If you are seeking an iterative environment where you can drive innovation, apply state-of-the-art technologies to solve real world delivery challenges, and provide benefits to customers, Prime Air is the place for you.
Come work on the Amazon Prime Air Team!
Prime Air is revolutionizing delivery services through innovative drone technology. We're seeking a Ground Handler to support our drone delivery operations through ground support activities, basic operational tasks, and community engagement.
Key job responsibilities
* Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and related components
* Monitor airspace in the area of operations and report any potential hazards or obstacles
* Assist with basic warehouse tasks including inventory management and package preparation
* Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards
* Engage positively with community members and address basic inquiries about our operations
* Document and report operational activities using standard templates and tools
This role requires the ability to carry/lift up to 50 pounds, stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, and frequently push, pull, squat, bend and reach. In addition, this role requires the ability work in an environment where the noise level varies and is subject to variable temperatures and weather (outside temperature, and include refrigerated environments)
This role requires the ability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays
This role may require travel, up to 25% of the time
Export Control License: This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Placement is contingent on Amazon's ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf.
This position will be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing if conducting safety sensitive functions as defined by the FAA. Federal law also requires Amazon to determine an applicant's DOT drug and/or alcohol testing history prior to hiring him/her into a position that would require them to conduct safety sensitive functions as defined by the FAA.

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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