ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation: Commensurate with experience Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client Position Overview FocusPoint ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

Emerald Staffing

Drone Operator

Medford, OR · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Drone Operator Pay: $36.00 - $41.00 per hour Schedule: Full Time About the Company A leading organization in the power delivery and energy sector is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (72213)

Cleveland, OH

$25 - $30/hr

As we expand our use of cutting-edge technology, we are seeking a dedicated Drone Operator to join our team, operating the Lucid Bots Sherpa Drone to provide exceptional pressure washing and window ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (71090)

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Morning Shift from 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM Drone Pilot Operators use advanced drone technology to perform window cleaning and exterior surface maintenance for buildings. They are responsible for operating ...

Apex Systems

Drone Operator - Drone Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Job#: 3040554 Drone Operator - Drone Operator Location: Seattle, Washington (Onsite) COMPENSATION: $30- $40 HOURLY Role Overview The candidate will join a Research and Development team focused on ...

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 23, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,166 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Videographer & Drone Operator

Videographer & Drone Operator

Rumple

Saint George, UT • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Videographer & Drone Operator

Full-time
Salary DOE

Description:

St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the creation of commercials, local news features, branded content, and original shows produced for St. George News. You'll work alongside other videographers and our editing team to capture high-quality footage using Sony mirrorless cameras, operate drones, and assist with video, lighting, and audio setup on location and in studio. The role also includes light editing in Adobe Premiere.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, creative, and takes pride in contributing strong visuals that support the success of the entire production team. Some training will be provided.

Skills:
  • Experience shooting on Sony mirrorless cameras (A7III preferred)
  • FAA Part 107 drone license and practical drone experience
  • Ability to set up and operate lighting and audio equipment
  • Strong understanding of composition and camera movement
  • Light editing experience in Adobe Premiere (After Effects a plus)
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with equipment setup and teardown
  • Professional, dependable, and comfortable working in a team environment
  • Basic understanding of green screens / chroma key
Details:

Creative, team-oriented, detail-focused, organized, flexible, and motivated in a fast-paced production environment.

Immediate Opening.

Equal Opportunity Employer.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro