ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

We are seeking experienced Drone Operators to perform small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) flight operations in support of live training exercises. In this role, you will operate contractor and/or ...

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Liberty, NC · On-site

We are seeking experienced Drone Operators to perform small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) flight operations in support of live training exercises. In this role, you will operate contractor and/or ...

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

We are seeking experienced Drone Operators to perform small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) flight operations in support of live training exercises. In this role, you will operate contractor and/or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrone Operators Jobs

Drone Operators information

See salary details

$5

$17

$21

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operators in the United States is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 a solid understanding of UAV flight principles, navigation, and safety protocols, often supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations for diverse applications such as surveying, photography, or inspection.

What do drone operators get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $80,000 annually for full-time positions, especially those requiring specialized skills or certifications. Pay may also vary based on whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

Is drone operation a good career?

Drone operators manage unmanned aerial vehicles for tasks such as photography, surveying, and inspection. The field offers opportunities in various industries, often requiring certifications and technical skills, with job prospects growing as drone technology advances.

What is the difference between Drone Operators vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperatorsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certificationFAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentVaries from construction sites to film setsTypically flying drones in outdoor or controlled environments
Employer & IndustryMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilmmaking, aerial photography, surveying

Drone Operators and Drone Pilots often share certifications and work environments, but Drone Pilots usually focus on flying drones for filming or photography, while Drone Operators may handle broader operational tasks. Both roles are essential in industries utilizing drone technology, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in operating drones and understanding regulations, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are drone operators and what do they do?

Drone operators are professionals trained to pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for various purposes. Their responsibilities include planning and executing flight paths, capturing aerial imagery or video, conducting inspections, and ensuring all operations comply with local regulations. Drone operators work in diverse industries such as film, agriculture, construction, surveying, and emergency response. They must maintain their equipment and often analyze the data collected. In many countries, drone operators also need to obtain specific certifications or licenses to operate commercially.

What are some typical challenges drone operators face while conducting field operations?

Drone operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, interference with signal transmission, and the need to adhere to strict regulatory guidelines. Navigating complex environments—like urban areas or restricted airspace—requires careful planning and real-time problem-solving. Additionally, operators must ensure safety protocols are followed to protect both people and equipment, and they may work closely with data analysts, engineers, or clients to ensure mission objectives are met efficiently.

What drone job pays the most?

Commercial drone pilots working in industries such as oil and gas, construction, or film production tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually with experience and specialized certifications. Roles involving advanced skills, such as aerial surveying, mapping, or inspection, typically offer higher pay due to technical complexity and safety requirements.
More about Drone Operators jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Operators jobs? Cities with the most Drone Operators job openings:
What states have the most Drone Operators jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Operators jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operators jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operators jobs are:
Drone Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,166 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Drone Pilot - Agriculture

Drone Pilot - Agriculture

DMR TECHNOLOGIES INC

West Palm Beach, FL • Remote

$50K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Drone Pilot / Agricultural Drone Operator (UAV / UAS)

ANYWHERE IN THE US

Precision Agriculture | Part 107 Preferred
DMR Technologies is recruiting drone pilots and aspiring agricultural drone operators to join the rapidly growing precision agriculture drone industry.

Through our Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) program, operators launch their drone operation using DMR-provided spray drones, training, and operational support—without the large upfront equipment investment.

Why This Opportunity Exists

  • Over 350 million acres are sprayed annually in the U.S.
  • Agricultural drones represent a $500M–$1.4B emerging services market
  • Fewer than 1,000 licensed agricultural drone operators currently exist
Demand for drone crop spraying and precision agriculture services continues to grow nationwide.
What You’ll Do
Operate advanced agricultural spray drones (UAV / UAS) to support modern farming operations:

  • Fly precision agriculture spray drones
  • Apply crop protection products
  • Perform GPS-guided crop spraying
  • Maintain flight logs and follow FAA drone safety regulations
Your work helps farmers reduce chemical use, increase yields, and modernize agriculture.
Earnings Potential Typical operator performance:

  • 120 spray days per year
  • 100 acres per day
  • 12,000 acres annually
Average service pricing: ~$15 per acre
Potential operator revenue: ~$180,000 per year
Preferred Qualifications

  • Interest in drones, aviation, or agriculture
  • Experience with UAV / UAS flight operations
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (preferred)
  • FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator certification (helpful but not required)
  • Agriculture or farming background a plus
About DMR Technologies

DMR Technologies is a U.S. drone manufacturer based in Lafayette, Louisiana, producing precision agriculture spray drones and industrial UAV systems.

Our flagship Field Ranger X50 spray drone is Built on the Bayou for American farmers and operators.

Apply today to launch your career as a professional drone pilot in precision agriculture.

DMR Technologies, Inc.
dmrdrones.com

Keywords: Drone Pilot | UAV Pilot | UAS Operator | Agricultural Drone Pilot | Part 107 Drone Pilot | Precision Agriculture | Crop Spraying Drone
Drone Pilot Training Available