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Drone Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and ... Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards * Engage ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and ... Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards * Engage ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and ... Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards * Engage ...

About Airspace Link Airspace Link is a fast-growing Series B startup shaping the future of drone ... Experience operating production systems in a cloud environment (Azure preferred) ยท Hands-on ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and ... Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards * Engage ...

Prime Air Ground Handler, Amazon Prime Air

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Support daily drone operations by handling and organizing equipment, including batteries and ... Execute standard operating procedures while maintaining safety and compliance standards * Engage ...

Proven experience as a videographer, camera operator, or similar role * Proficiency with video ... Drone pilot certification or experience (preferred, not required) Compensation: * Competitive pay ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drone Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$20

$32

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Michigan is $20.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Drone Operator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Drone Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in Michigan? For Drone Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Drone Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Drone Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in MI? For Drone Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,776 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$700/day

Temporary

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description


Job Title: 2026 Drone Summer Camp Instructor


Location: Tappan Middle School


Duration: 1-week summer session (July 6th-10th) + preparation training time of 1 day (July


2nd)
Compensation: $700 stipend for camp (5 days) and $100 for training before camp (1 day)


Reports To: Camp Director / Program Coordinator: Cynthia Heraud


Position Summary:
The Drone Summer Camp Instructor will lead hands-on instructional sessions as part of the
"Our Place in Space: Drones for a Purpose" drones and engineering summer camp. This role
involves teaching middle school students (grades 68), with a focus on engaging
underrepresented minorities and females in STEM. The instructor will guide students through
the engineering design process using drones, simulation software, and real-world challenges
related to space and flight.







Key Responsibilities:
ย Plan and facilitate engaging daily lessons centered on drone flight, coding, and
simulation tools.
ย Support students in building, flying, and testing EMAX drones with attention to safety
and skill development.
ย Integrate NGSS-aligned content and space technology themes into instruction.
ย Utilize simulation platforms (e.g., Liftoff or alternatives) to reinforce drone control, flight
safety, and piloting techniques.
ย Promote collaboration, inquiry, and teamwork through student-led challenges.
ย Assist students in identifying and solving real-world problems through engineering and
drone applications.
ย Maintain an inclusive, respectful, and encouraging environment for all learners.
ย Track student progress and support camp evaluations through pre- and post-surveys.
Participate in a brief training/prep period prior to the camp week. ($300 Stipend)














Qualifications:
ย Background in STEM education, engineering, robotics, or aviation (teaching license
preferred but not required).
ย Experience working with middle school students, ideally in hands-on or project-based
learning environments.
ย Familiarity with drone operation, coding (block or text-based), and engineering concepts.
ย Passion for equity in STEM education and experience working with diverse student
populations.
ย Strong classroom management, communication, and teamwork skills.









Preferred Experience:
ย Knowledge of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway curriculum.
ย Experience Teaching and Working with Middle School Students
ย Experience using drone simulation tools or teaching aviation-related content.
ย Prior experience with Emax Drones or Drones





LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance
instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of people.




MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers,
common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and
interpret bar graphs.




REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written,
oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in
standardized situations.




PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand
and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at
the neck more than the average person While performing the duties of this job, the employee
may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books and AV/VCR carts. The
employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed
material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple
demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.












WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The
noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the
particular part of the day and location.






METHOD OF APPLICATION:
All applicants must apply online at A2schools.org >> District Links >> Job Postings