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Drone Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Drone Operator, you will be part of the Flight Operations team supporting cutting-edge safety technology development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Drone Operators information

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$5

$17

$21

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,166 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Bees360 Vendor & Affiliate Opportunity - Drone Inspector - Columbia, South Carolina

Bees360 Inc

Houston, TX • Remote

$19.25 - $26/hr

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

  • PLEASE Do NOT Apply if you Do NOT Reside in the State mentioned below
  • South Carolina and Surrounding Areas

    Charleston, SC

    Myrtle Beach, SC

    Columbia, SC

    Greenville, SC

    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”.