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Drone Operators Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nimbl

Operations Advisor

Rockville, MD · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The worldwide customer base and expanding target market includes Fortune 500 flight departments, aircraft management companies, and private owner/operators of business jets, FBOs and commercial drone ...

New

Slater Consult

Marketing Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

At MyDefence, we develop world-leading counter-drone technology that helps protect military ... Trusted by military organizations, governments, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide, we ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

... • Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) • Experience in people and ... uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) • Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) • ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

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All JobsDrone Operators JobsDrone Operators Jobs in Washington

Drone Operators information

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$10

$26

$64

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operators in Washington is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.97 and $26.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection that require specialized skills and certifications.

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.

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 airspace regulations, and mastering drone controls and safety procedures are important steps in the process.

Is drone piloting a good career?

Drone operators are responsible for flying and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. The field offers opportunities for technical skill development and often requires certification, with job prospects growing as drone technology expands. However, it can involve irregular hours and regulatory compliance.
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Drone Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,112 per year, or $26 per hour.

Drone Operator

Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
Edgewater Federal Solutions is seeking experienced Drone Operators to support unmanned aerial systems operations for mission-focused security and protection events. The Drone Operator will deploy, operate, and support C-UAS platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, rapid response operations, and real-time video and data transmission in support of mission-critical operations.
This role requires hands-on C-UAS flight operations experience, strong situational awareness, and the ability to operate in fast-paced, high-visibility environments. Candidates must be able to coordinate with operational stakeholders, follow established procedures, maintain readiness, and ensure all flight activities comply with FAA regulations, applicable federal requirements, operational directives, and safety standards.
Work Location: Washington, DC with ability to travel nationwide in support of protection events; event-based onsite support required.
Work Arrangement: Onsite/event-based support with potential 24/7 operational coverage.
Clearance: U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain required federal suitability or security clearance as required for the assignment.
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, operate, and recover C-UAS platforms in support of protection events, including persistent ISR coverage and mobile rapid response missions.
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective C-UAS operations.
  • Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to command-and-control teams and other designated stakeholders.
  • Operate C-UAS payloads, including high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, communications relay equipment, and related ISR sensors.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid launch and support time-sensitive response requirements during protection events.
  • Coordinate with operations centers, security teams, IT personnel, and event stakeholders to support mission objectives.
  • Support integration of C-UAS data feeds with secure command-and-control infrastructure, including video distribution and operational communication systems.
  • Assist with interoperability testing, secure data transmission, bandwidth management, and troubleshooting of C-UAS communications or network connectivity issues.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, maintenance activities, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs.
  • Ensure all C-UAS equipment is maintained in operational condition and coordinate logistics, spare parts, and repair support as needed.
  • Participate in pre-event briefings and post-event debriefings with operational stakeholders.
  • Follow all applicable FAA regulations, federal requirements, operational directives, safety standards, and information handling procedures.

Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Ability to maintain aeronautical knowledge currency and keep required certification documentation accessible during C-UAS operations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, or federal mission environments.
  • Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
  • Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and C-UAS operating limitations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS sensors or payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications relay systems.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear updates in operational environments.
  • Ability to travel nationwide and support variable schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience supporting federal, law enforcement, military, protective services, emergency management, or national special security event operations.
  • Experience with larger ISR C-UAS platforms, mobile rapid response C-UAS platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
  • Experience with secure video distribution, TAK, VIDTERRA, tactical communications, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
  • Platform-specific C-UAS training, manufacturer certifications, military C-UAS operator training, or equivalent operational experience.
  • Active federal suitability or security clearance.

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Pre-Tax 401K and/or After-Tax Roth IRA (with employer matching contribution)
  • Tuition and Technical Training Reimbursement
  • Wellness Benefit
  • Tech Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and standard office equipment
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer workThe employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
  • Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Exposure to general office conditions while conducting office duties
  • Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
  • Ability to work in a confined area
  • Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period

Working at Edgewater Federal Solutions:
Edgewater Federal Solutions is a privately held government contracting firm located in Frederick, MD. The company was founded in 2002 with the vision of being highly recognized and admired for supporting customer missions through employee empowerment, exceptional services, and timely delivery. Edgewater Federal Solutions is ISO 9001, 20000-1, 270001 certified, appraised at CMMI Level 3 Maturity for Development and Services, and has been named in the Top Workplaces in the Greater Washington Area Small Companies since 2018.
Edgewater Federal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and continues to be our policy to provide equal employment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status and/or other status protected by applicable law.

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