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Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AeroFrohne LLC

Mapping Drone Pilot

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$68.88 - $137.76/hr

AeroFrohne is searching for independent contractor mapping drone pilots to support geospatial capture and reality data collection. Experienced drone pilots across the USA are invited to apply. Role ...

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

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 ...

PhotoDrone.com®

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FAA-107 Drone Pilot with equipment

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote

$90/hr

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

Ensite Services

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Residential Site Surveyor - Drone Pilot

Columbus, OH · On-site

$800 - $2.0K/wk

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

Ensite Services

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Residential Site Surveyor - Drone Pilot

Worcester, MA · On-site

$800 - $2.0K/wk

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

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All JobsDrone Pilot 1099 Contractor Jobs

Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor information

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$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

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

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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.
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:
Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 36% 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.

Mapping Drone Pilot

AeroFrohne LLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$68.88 - $137.76/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

AeroFrohne is searching for independent contractor mapping drone pilots to support geospatial capture and reality data collection. Experienced drone pilots across the USA are invited to apply.

Role Description

This is an independent contractor based role for a Mapping Drone Pilot in the United States, supporting AeroFrohne projects nationwide.Responsibilities include UAV mapping flights, aerial imagery capture, geospatial dataset collection, mission planning,photogrammetry workflow support, QA/QC, and deliverables aligned with client requirements. Strong communication,schedule discipline, and professional coordination with AeroFrohne project teams are required.

R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s
  • Perform UAV mapping flights and capture high quality aerial imagery and geospatial datasets.
  • Coordinate with AeroFrohne project teams to resolve site access, flight planning, and data delivery constraints.
R e q u i r e m e n t s
  • Active FAA Part 107 certificate.
  • Proficient with drone mission planning
  • Criminal background investigation required.
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