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Drone Operators Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Product Manager, C2

Sterling, VA

$125K - $165K/yr

Through AI-powered technology, we deliver continuous, autonomous drone detection, tracking, and ... operator pressure * Partner with the Mitigation & Threat Management, Sensor Fusion & ML, and ...

Sr. Product Manager, C2

Sterling, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Through AI-powered technology, we deliver continuous, autonomous drone detection, tracking, and ... operator pressure * Partner with the Mitigation & Threat Management, Sensor Fusion & ML, and ...

... operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that ... At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ...

... operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that ... At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ...

... operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that ... At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ...

... operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that ... At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ...

... operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that ... At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ...

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Drone Operators information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$23

$58

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operators in Virginia is $23.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $24.31 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 Virginia? For Drone Operators jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operators jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operators jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drone Operators jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Drone Operators job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,015 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Prime Air Ops Manager , Amazon Prime Air

Prime Air Ops Manager , Amazon Prime Air

Amazon

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,012 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Here at Amazon, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of diversity and inclusion of our teams within the organization.
How do you get items to customers quickly, cost-effectively, and-most importantly-safely, in less than an hour? And how do you do it in a way that can scale? Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been working hard to do just that! We are delivering to customers and are excited for what's to come.
If you are seeking an iterative environment where you can drive innovation, apply state-of-the-art technologies to solve real world delivery challenges, and provide benefits to customers, Prime Air is the place for you. Come work on the Amazon Prime Air Team!
Check out more information about Prime Air on the About Amazon blog: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-delivery-drone-reveal-photos
Key job responsibilities
Prime Air is seeking an experienced Drone Operations Manager to own the end-to-end operation at our drone delivery hubs. This person will act as the leader of the Prime Air commercial operations center. In that capacity, they will manage all aspects of the commercial ops, including our fulfillment center (outbound/ inbound), drone maintenance and spare parts, and flight operations. They will act as the senior leader on site and have direct responsibility over managers and employees on site. They will partner with Prime Air customer-facing teams (customer support, marketing, PR) to provide the best ultra-fast delivery experience, and with technical and support functions (Training and Compliance, Product, Engineering, IT, Facilities, Finance, HR, Supply Chain) to drive a highly efficient operation and ultimately have direct impact on Prime Air's S-team goal of delivering packages to customers via drone.
Still on the fence? Check out our most recent launch: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-drone-delivery-arizona
Come take flight with us!
Export Control License: This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Placement is contingent on Amazon's ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf.
This position will be subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing. Federal law requires Amazon to determine an applicant's history of Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and/or alcohol violations(s) or refusal(s) to test before hiring him/her into a safety-sensitive position, if applicable
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with staffing lifecycle, including interviewing, hiring, performance management, and terminations
- Experience in a people management or leadership role which includes coaching and developing others
- Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field of operations
- Can travel to local sites up to 25% of the time
- Can work in an environment where the noise level varies and is subject to variable temperatures and weather conditions, including working outside in outdoor temperatures and refrigerated environments
- Direct management experience, including leading in a manufacturing, production, distribution, or logistics environment.
- Demonstrated success analyzing performance metrics, implementing process improvements, and applying Lean methodologies.
- Ability to navigate changing priorities and utilize judgment in demanding situations.
- Ability to train as a drone operator and adhere to standards.
- Ability to carry/lift up to 50 lbs., stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, climb ladders, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend and reach.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in the drone/aerospace industry.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, VA, Richmond - 105,500.00 - 142,700.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US