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Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$200 - $400/day

This is a 1099 contractor role and does not provide guaranteed full‑time hours. Job Summary ... Experienced drone pilots interested in agriculture fleet assignments should apply using the Apply ...

JOB SUMMARY: The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned ... This contractor will inspect structures for major insurance carriers for both underwriting and ...

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FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot - Independent Contractor Join the Founding Team at PhotoDrone.com ® Location: South Florida (Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and surrounding areas) Are you an experienced ...

Veteran-friendly

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Residential Site Surveyor Ensite Services LLC - Contract (1099) Ensite partners with solar and ... Drone with FAA Part 107 license * Basic hand tools * Smartphone * Valid driver's license and ...

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Residential Site Surveyor Ensite Services LLC - Contract (1099) Ensite partners with solar and ... Drone with FAA Part 107 license * Basic hand tools * Smartphone * Valid driver's license and ...

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Residential Site Surveyor Ensite Services LLC - Contract (1099) Ensite partners with solar and ... Drone with FAA Part 107 license * Basic hand tools * Smartphone * Valid driver's license and ...

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Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor information

See salary details

$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do drone pilot 1099 contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot 1099 contractor in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone pilot 1099 contractor?

Drone Pilot 1099 Contractors are independent professionals who operate drones for commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, inspections, surveying, or real estate. As 1099 contractors, they are not employees but provide services to clients on a contract basis and are responsible for managing their own taxes and equipment. These pilots must typically hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification and comply with regulations regarding unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Their work can be project-based and may require travel to various locations depending on client needs.

What are some common challenges drone pilot 1099 contractors face when working with multiple clients?

As a Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor, one of the main challenges is managing varied client expectations and project timelines, since each client may have different requirements, locations, and deadlines. Additionally, you'll need to stay updated on local and federal regulations for each job, which can differ by area and project type. Effective communication and scheduling are key to juggling multiple assignments, and it's important to maintain detailed flight logs and insurance documentation for each client to ensure compliance and professionalism.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot 1099 contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor, you need FAA Part 107 certification, solid understanding of drone flight principles, and experience with aerial photography or surveying. Familiarity with flight planning software, drone maintenance tools, and data processing platforms like Pix4D or DroneDeploy is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication with clients make contractors stand out. These skills ensure missions are completed safely, legally, and to client specifications, which is crucial for repeat business and professional reputation.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor vs Commercial Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot 1099 ContractorCommercial Drone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, valid drone licenseFAA Part 107 certification, valid drone license
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, various locationsEmployers' sites, designated areas, multiple industries
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractor serving multiple clientsCompany-employed or contracted for commercial projects
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for freelance vs employed rolesCommonly compared in industry for job scope

The main difference is that a Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor works independently on various projects, while a Commercial Drone Operator may be employed or contracted by a company for specific commercial tasks. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve similar work environments, but their employment structure and client relationships differ.

More about Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor job openings:

What states have the most Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs are:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Agri Drone Pilot - Spray Ops (Contract)

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY • On-site

$200 - $400/day

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Experienced Drone Pilot – Agriculture Fleet

Target Project States: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia

Alpha Drones USA, Inc. is building a drone pilot placement and workforce platform that connects qualified drone professionals with real commercial UAS opportunities across our growing fleet ecosystem. As both a drone fleet operator and a workforce partner, Alpha Drones supports client projects across agriculture and other commercial drone service areas, helping organizations access trained pilots, specialized equipment, and mission‑ready drone operations.

Alpha Drones USA is currently seeking experienced drone pilots for contract/project‑based assignments with our agriculture fleet. This role is designed for pilots who already hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, have a current FAA medical certificate, and have hands‑on experience operating drones for agricultural or related spraying applications.

Assignments are based on project availability, pilot qualifications, licensing, location, and client needs. This is a 1099 contractor role and does not provide guaranteed full‑time hours.

Job Summary:
  • Operate Alpha Drones equipment for agriculture spraying assignments
  • Conduct drone‑based spraying applications for agriculture, crop spraying, right‑of‑way, turf, forestry, mosquito/vector control, or related use cases
  • Support spray planning, equipment setup, calibration, flight operations, and post‑flight procedures
  • Perform or assist with chemical mixing and loading as permitted by applicable law, project requirements, product labels, and Alpha Drones USA standard operating procedures
  • Complete pre‑flight checks, equipment inspections, battery checks, maintenance checks, and operational readiness reviews
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, spray records, project documentation, and equipment records
  • Follow FAA regulations, state pesticide and application laws, Alpha Drones USA SOPs, product label requirements, environmental restrictions, and all project‑specific safety protocols
  • Work outdoors in active field environments and variable weather conditions
  • Travel regionally for project assignments; overnight travel and multi‑day assignments may be required
  • Coordinate with Alpha Drones team members, project managers, clients, and other field personnel to support safe and successful project completion
Job Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Must hold a current FAA medical certificate
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must have 1–3+ years of drone operating experience
  • Must have hands‑on experience with drone‑based spraying applications, including agriculture, crop spraying, right‑of‑way, turf, forestry, mosquito/vector control, or related applications
  • Must be comfortable operating Alpha Drones equipment and following company flight, safety, and field procedures
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs. and work outdoors in field conditions
  • Must be available for contract/project‑based assignments based on project needs, location, qualifications, licensing, and scheduling availability
  • Must be willing and able to travel for regional assignments, including overnight and multi‑day projects when required
  • Must successfully complete Alpha Drones USA onboarding and project‑specific training before assignment; onboarding and training are unpaid
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Must submit a resume, references, FAA Part 107 certificate, FAA medical certificate, and any applicable state applicator licenses or certifications

State pesticide applicator licenses are not required for this role. Candidates who already hold a state applicator license or certification in aerial, right‑of‑way, turf, forest pest control, mosquito/vector control, or a related category should include that information with their application, as it may support eligibility for certain project assignments.

Compensation and Assignment Details:

This is a 1099 contract/project‑based role. Compensation is assignment‑based, with day rates generally ranging from $200–$400 per day, depending on project type, location, qualifications, licensing, and assignment requirements.

Alpha Drones USA will reimburse approved travel, lodging, fuel, per diem, and other assignment‑related expenses for eligible projects.

This is not a full‑time guaranteed‑hours position. Project placement depends on pilot availability, qualifications, licensing, project needs, client requirements, and assignment location.

To Apply:

Experienced drone pilots interested in agriculture fleet assignments should apply using the Apply Now link and submit the required documentation, including resume, references, FAA Part 107 certificate, FAA medical certificate, and any applicable state applicator licenses or certifications.

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