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Drone Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$69K/yr

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$31.32/hr

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$69K/yr

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

Police Officer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$65K/yr

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

... Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 ... Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully ...

Drone Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$20

$32

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Kentucky is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.99 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Drone Operator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Drone Operator job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,629 per year, or $20 per hour.

Police Officer

Paducah, KY • On-site

$69K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Under general supervision, patrols the city and responds to emergency and non-emergency situations to protect lives and property (e.g., investigate crimes, apprehend criminals, resolve conflicts, regulate traffic, prevent crime, assist and educate the public). Illustrative Duties Patrols the city and protects lives and property. Enforces laws and prevents crimes. Monitors traffic conditions and flow, operates radar, and issues citations. Responds to accidents and monitors school zones. Maintains visibility to establish police presence.

Settles or calms interpersonal disputes. Respond to a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations, accidents, confrontations, injuries, and complaints. Secures and processes crime scenes and interviews complainants, witnesses, suspects, and victims. Obtains witness reports, collects evidence, and prepares files and reports. Apprehends, arrests, and processes criminal violators. Serves warrants, appears, and testifies in courts of law. Transports prisoners.

Performs various Community-Oriented Policing functions, including attending community meetings and giving public safety demonstrations. Operates a police vehicle and radio. Works closely with other law enforcement officers regarding suspects, witnesses, victims, and related criminal investigations. Records daily activities in logs and prepares reports on activities and investigations. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits 8 and 10-hour shifts with shift differential pay - $0.50/hr. for afternoon shifts and $1.00/hour for night shift Paid vacation and holiday time Clothing allowance Comprehensive health and wellness package Opportunity for a take-home vehicle Special team opportunities - See the list below: Bomb Squad K9 Handler SWAT Team Collision Reconstruction Digital Forensics Crisis Negotiation Honor Guard Drone Unit Base Salary Description (Includes State Incentive Pay) $31.32 hourly, $65,145.60 annually (plus incentives of $4,653.00 for a new officer annually $69,798.60).

Qualifications

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; or must turn 21 before graduating from the DOCJT Basic Training Course (i.e., 20-week academy). Must possess a valid operator's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle; must successfully undergo a fingerprint check through the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; must be able to identify the colors red, green and yellow; must have standard visual acuity – not less than 20/40 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye without correction, not less than 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye with correction; if served in the military, must possess a conditional or an honorable discharge; must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language; must be a person of good moral character, good reputation in the community in which he/she lives, law-abiding and loyal to the United States government.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of department policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws relating to law enforcement. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, public relations, interview techniques, and patrol procedures. Knowledge of traffic control procedures and crisis intervention techniques. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Ability to recognize unusual, emergency, or threatening situations and take appropriate action. Ability to demonstrate endurance (mental and physical). Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner. The ability to use firearms and specialized police equipment. Knowledge of arrest process and procedures. Must maintain the physical ability to successfully pass the Essential Job Function test for the position.