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Drone Operator Jobs in New Port Richey, FL (NOW HIRING)

XTEND

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Description The Flight Operations Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe operation, mission ... Monitor aircraft performance and respond to abnormal operating conditions during flight operations

XTEND

Senior Drone Lab Technician

Tampa, FL · On-site

Our end users include military operators, law enforcement units, and public safety teams who rely ... Lead and mentor a team of technicians in the assembly, integration, and maintenance of drone ...

XTEND

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Core Operating System Support * Contribute to the development and refinement of XTEND's embedded software architecture and core operating environment for drone and payload systems. Testing ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Tampa, FL

$48K - $65K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Tampa, FL · Remote

Conduct and oversee commercial drone operations in accordance with applicable regulations and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess flight ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Tampa, FL · Remote

Conduct and oversee commercial drone operations in accordance with applicable regulations and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess flight ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Tampa, FL

$48K - $65K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

XTEND

Manufacturing Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

Train operators and assembly personnel on work processes, use of jigs, and new standards ... Experience in the UAV/drone industry. * Familiarity with visual documentation tools (video ...

OPSWAT

Video Production Specialist

Tampa, FL

Experience operating DSLR/mirrorless cameras (Sony A7 series or equivalent) * Working knowledge of ... Drone operation certification (FAA Part 107) * Photography skills for event coverage What You Get

OPSWAT

Video Production Specialist

Tampa, FL · On-site

Experience operating DSLR/mirrorless cameras (Sony A7 series or equivalent) * Working knowledge of ... Drone operation certification (FAA Part 107) * Photography skills for event coverage What You Get

All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in New Port Richey, FL

Drone Operator information

See New Port Richey, FL salary details

$9

$20

$32

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in New Port Richey, FL is $20.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $19.47 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 New Port Richey, FL?

For Drone Operator jobs in New Port Richey, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operator jobs in New Port Richey, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operator jobs in New Port Richey, FL are:

What cities near New Port Richey, FL are hiring for Drone Operator jobs?

Cities near New Port Richey, FL with the most Drone Operator job openings:

Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in New Port Richey, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,691 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

XTEND

Tampa, FL • On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description
The Flight Operations Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe operation, mission execution, and flight testing of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of customer, engineering, training, and operational requirements.
This position conducts flight operations, supports system evaluations, assists with mission planning, and ensures compliance with company procedures and applicable aviation regulations.
  • Main Responsibilities
  • Conduct pre-flight, flight, and post-flight operations for unmanned aircraft systems
  • Execute mission profiles, flight test events, demonstrations, and training operations
  • Develop and review flight plans, risk assessments, and mission documentation
  • Monitor aircraft performance and respond to abnormal operating conditions during flight operations
  • Coordinate with engineering, program management, and customer personnel during flight activities
  • Collect, document, and report flight data, observations, and mission results
  • Perform pre-flight inspections and verify aircraft airworthiness and mission readiness
  • Support customer training, operational demonstrations, and fielding activities
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company flight procedures, and safety requirements
  • Assist in troubleshooting operational issues and provide feedback to engineering teams for system improvements
  • Travel as required to support testing, training, demonstrations, and customer operations

Requirements
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems in training, testing, or operational environments
  • Knowledge of UAS flight operations, mission planning, and airspace considerations.
  • Ability to work independently in dynamic field environments
  • Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills
  • Ability to travel and support field operations

Preferred Qualifications
  • Military aviation or UAS operational experience
  • Experience conducting developmental testing, operational testing, or customer demonstrations
  • Familiarity with ISR, tactical UAS, or counter-UAS operations
  • Experience operating Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems
  • Active or previously held security clearance

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