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Drone Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ZeroMark

Assembly Technician

Detroit, MI

$16 - $20.25/hr

... drone systems. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical assembly principles ... Proven experience operating light machining equipment. Skills: * Proficiency in reading and ...

New

ZeroMark

Assembly Technician

Detroit, MI

$16 - $20.25/hr

... drone systems. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical assembly principles ... Proven experience operating light machining equipment. Skills: * Proficiency in reading and ...

New

McDonald GMC Cadillac

Videographer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

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

McDonald GMC Cadillac

Videographer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

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

McDonald GMC Cadillac

Videographer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

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

McDonald GMC Cadillac

Videographer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

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

McDonald GMC Cadillac

Videographer

Saginaw, MI

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

Mettle Ops

Director of Finance

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

... operating subsidiaries spanning engineering services, production & kitting, procurement, and commercial drone sales. We are seeking a Director of Finance to serve as the senior financial leader ...

Mettle Ops

Director of Finance

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

... operating subsidiaries spanning engineering services, production & kitting, procurement, and commercial drone sales. We are seeking a Director of Finance to serve as the senior financial leader ...

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All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in Michigan

Drone Operator information

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How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Drone Operator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operator jobs in Michigan 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:

Drone Operator jobs near you
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.

UAV Drone Instructor Classroom Assistant - Part Time

CREATIVE MONEY CONCEPTS LLC

Detroit, MI • On-site

$15/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

AerialNomics is an educationally purposeful community where faculty, staff, and students share academic goals and strive for high standards that lead to the attainment of degrees and certificates, meaningful careers, and a committed citizenry of lifelong learners.
We value those who:

  • consistently act in the best interest of students (who have their priorities right);
  • get things accomplished (who execute);
  • are transparent (who are direct, truthful, and non-manipulative);
  • are positive in outlook (who see the glass as half-full); and
  • build constructive workplace relationships (who are team players).


We have an opening for Classroom Aid

The Classroom Aid will help supervise the scholars of our program during classroom instruction. The successful candidate should have experience in remote piloting and possess a current Part 107 UAS certificate. (Helpful but not necessary.)
The Classroom Aid must be knowledgeable about topics related to successfully operating a drone such as: FAA regulations, weather, privacy issues, battery maintenance, and various drone applications including use of drones for inspections, geological mapping, aerial photography surveys construction, utilities, pipeline, etc.

The role will be responsible for the following:
Instruction: Assist with the implemented Drone Technology course at the assigned location(s); facilitate the classroom instructional process; correctly perform and demonstrate all types of flying, maintenance and repair techniques, evaluate students, monitor progress, assign final grades; provide out-of-class academic assistance to students; maintain attendance and grade records; counsel and advise students regarding academic preparation and career goals; and work to retain students -Course and Curriculum Development: Participate in the selection of textbooks, equipment, supplies, and other learning resources; develop supplemental instructional materials; use current technology in preparation, creation and delivery of instruction; create and revise courses and/or curricula as needed; maintain updated course syllabi -Develop and Maintain a site on the school’s Learning Management System (eLearn) platform where class documents are stored (syllabi, classroom information, quizzes, tests, etc.) and available for students to access at any time. -Professional Growth: Remain current within field of assigned instruction, related occupational areas and technologies; acquire, maintain, and apply knowledge of current instructional methodologies and materials; attend scheduled college, divisional, professional development and in-service activities and participate in annual faculty evaluation process -Service to Students: Respect rights of students and access to educational opportunities; participate in registration process by advising, assist in recruitment, selection, orientation and evaluation of potential students. -In addition to teaching, the faculty member is expected to assist program graduates with employment opportunities, complete the annual Council on Occupational Education (COE) report for the program, maintain technical skills and acquire new technical skills as the industry evolves.
Position Requirements:
Education: High School/GED and possess a current FAA CFR14, Part 107C license and experience flying, maintaining and repairing drones.