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Drone Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle to capture aerial images and videos. This contractor will inspect structures for major insurance ...

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 ...

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 ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (70729)

Millstone Township, NJ

$28 - $31/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 ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (71452)

Charlotte, NC

$16.50 - $21.50/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 ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers ... The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ...

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Drone Operators information

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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.
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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.
Bees360 Vendor & Affiliate Opportunity - Drone Inspector - New Jersey and Surrounding areas

Bees360 Vendor & Affiliate Opportunity - Drone Inspector - New Jersey and Surrounding areas

Bees360 Inc

Houston, TX • Remote

$19.25 - $26/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

  • PLEASE Do NOT Apply if you Do NOT Reside in New Jersey
    • OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW:

    Bees360 is actively seeking qualified Vendor & Affiliates to perform drone-based property inspections for residential insurance underwriting. This opportunity is available through our approved Vendor Network, with inspections assigned to Vendors who manage certified affiliate drone operators.

    Ideal candidates are experienced UAS/Drone pilots currently affiliated with a Bees360-approved Vendor or individuals looking to join one. All inspections are performed using Bees360’s proprietary app, supporting industry-leading insurance carriers across various regions.

    RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Conduct interior and exterior inspections using the Bees360 mobile app
  • Operate small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to capture aerial imagery of rooftops and property structures
  • Ensure highquality, consistent image and data collection
  • Maintain professionalism with homeowners, property owners and clients
  • Follow FAA regulations, company safety policies, and customerspecific protocols
    • REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Active affiliation with a Bees360approved Vendor (or willingness to become affiliated)
  • Access to a reliable drone that meets performance standards
  • Ability to use mobile technology and apps for inspection submission
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality
    • PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • FAA Part 107 certification (preferred, but not required to apply)
  • Background in inspections, drone photography, construction, or similar fields
  • Familiarity with structured workflows and digital reporting tools
    • WHY WORK WITH BEES360?

    Bees360 provides cutting-edge tools and support to help Vendor businesses and their affiliates grow and succeed. We aim to build long-lasting partnerships based on reliability, quality, and performance.

    GET STARTED:

    If you're a drone operator interested in joining Bees360’s ecosystem, but are not yet affiliated with a Vendor, we’re happy to introduce you to one of our trusted Vendor partners.

    Visit https://bees360.com/index/fly-the-hive to learn more and apply to “Fly the Hive”.

Apply