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Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coop FE

Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern

George, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

As an Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern, you will assist in operating drones for agricultural applications, including crop spraying, scouting, surveying, and data collection. This role ...

Coop FE

Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

As an Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern , you will gain practical experience operating drones for agricultural tasks such as crop spraying, scouting, surveying, and data collection. This role ...

Coop FE

Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern

Larchwood, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

As an Aerial Application Drone Operator Intern , you will gain practical experience operating drones for agricultural tasks such as crop spraying, scouting, surveying, and data collection. This role ...

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Drone Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a drone legally fly over your house?

Drone operators must follow federal, state, and local regulations when flying, which generally prohibit flying over private property without permission. In many areas, flying over someone's house without consent can be considered trespassing or invasion of privacy. Operators should be aware of airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations, especially for commercial purposes or flights near private residences.

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 are drone operators and what do they do?

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.

Which animal is called a drone?

In biology, a drone is a male bee responsible for mating with the queen. In a military or technical context, a drone refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance, photography, or delivery. The term's meaning depends on the industry and application.

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 is a drone in slang?

In slang, a drone often refers to a person who is perceived as monotonous, unoriginal, or lacking independence, similar to a continuous buzzing sound. For drone operators, understanding this slang is useful when communicating about remote-controlled devices or in casual conversations, but it is not related to their professional role. The term is more common in informal speech than in technical contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operator, and why are they important?

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 does drone mean?

A drone, in the context of a drone operator, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is remotely controlled or autonomous. Drone operators are responsible for flying and managing these devices, often using specialized skills and certifications, for purposes such as photography, surveillance, or inspection.
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Drone Operator jobs near you
I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

Decatur, AL

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is currently recruiting for a Drone Operators for various locations to support operations.

Responsibilities
  • Organize and report test results
  • Perform specialized inspections
  • May instruct and supervise others
  • Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by management
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively perform assigned NDT tasks and interpret results of inspections
  • Knowledge of Drone equipment
Company Overview

 

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

Employment Type: OTHER

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