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Drone Operators Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

Proven experience operating drones in various settings. * Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software). * Excellent spatial awareness and attention ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

Proven experience operating drones in various settings. * Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software). * Excellent spatial awareness and attention ...

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 ...

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$7

$19

$47

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operators in Florida is $19.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.11 and $19.91 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.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operators jobs in Florida? For Drone Operators jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operators jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operators jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Drone Operators jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Drone Operators job openings:
Drone Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,148 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Drone Operator / Jobsite Media Specialist

AllJax, Inc.

Dade City, FL • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

AllJax, Inc. is seeking a dependable and skilled Drone Operator / Jobsite Media Specialist to capture footage of active job sites and company operations.
Drone operation is the primary responsibility of this position. The person in this role will travel to job sites, coordinate with field crews, and capture high-quality aerial video and photography that clearly documents project progress, equipment operation, site conditions, and completed work.
The employee may also assist with ground-level photography and video capture when needed. However, this is primarily a field-based drone operation position, not a social media management, digital marketing, or video editing role. AllJax will handle content planning, editing, publishing, and marketing strategy.
Responsibilities
  • Travel to active job sites throughout the company’s service area
  • Operate a drone to capture high-quality aerial video and photography
  • Document project conditions, progress, equipment operation, and completed work from the air
  • Monitor weather, airspace, battery levels, equipment condition, and other factors affecting safe drone operation
  • Follow all FAA regulations, company procedures, and jobsite safety requirements
  • Review footage to confirm it is clear, stable, properly framed, and usable
  • Organize, label, upload, and maintain drone footage and media files
  • Maintain and care for drones, batteries, controllers, memory cards, and related equipment
  • Assist with ground-level video and photography when additional footage is needed
  • Identify useful angles, equipment activity, project milestones, and visual documentation opportunities
Required Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Strong understanding of FAA drone regulations and controlled airspace requirements
  • Ability to plan and complete safe drone flights around active job sites
  • Experience capturing clear, stable, and professional-quality aerial footage
  • Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in Florida heat, humidity, sun, dust, and changing weather conditions
  • Comfortable working around active construction sites, trucks, machinery, noise, uneven terrain, and moving equipment
  • Ability to communicate effectively with management and field crews
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience filming construction, excavation, heavy equipment, landscaping, environmental work, or other outdoor operations
  • Experience with multiple drone models, camera settings, flight modes, and stabilization systems
  • Experience capturing ground-level photography and video
  • Familiarity with smartphones, cameras, action cameras, stabilizers, and microphones
  • Basic knowledge of photo and video file organization
  • Basic editing experience is helpful but not required
Working Conditions
This is primarily an outdoor and field-based position. The employee will regularly travel to active job sites and may spend full workdays outside.
The work environment may include heat, humidity, direct sunlight, dust, dirt, noise, mud, uneven ground, and changing weather conditions. The employee must be able to safely move around active job sites while carrying and operating drone and camera equipment.
Compliance with all company safety procedures and required personal protective equipment is mandatory.
Position Details
  • Full-time, depending on experience, availability, and fit
  • Primarily field-based with frequent local travel
  • Schedule may vary based on project locations, crew schedules, weather, and flight conditions
  • Drone and camera equipment may be provided depending on experience and existing equipment
  • Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and availability
Company Description
AllJax, Inc. is a growing excavation and environmental services company serving communities throughout West Central Florida. We are committed to quality work, safe operations, dependable service, and creating opportunities for employees to grow with the company.