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Drone Pilot 1099 Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

New

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

PIT - Remote Pilot Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

MIA Remote Pilot Operator

Miami, FL · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZMA Remote Pilot Operator

Miami, FL · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZTL Remote Pilot Operator

Hampton, GA · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot ... The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.

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Showing results 21-40

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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 22, 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:

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 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.

Independent Field Tender 1099 Contractor

DMR TECHNOLOGIES INC

Lafayette, LA • On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
DMR Technologies is seeking dependable, hardworking Independent Field Tenders to support aerial drone spray operations across agricultural fields. This is a physically active, outdoor position ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, doesn't mind Louisiana heat, and takes pride in keeping operations running safely and efficiently.
Field Tenders work directly with an independent DMR-approved spray applicator by helping transport equipment, mix and refill spray solutions, change batteries, maintain water supply, and keep the operation moving throughout the day.
This is not a W-2 position. Field Tenders operate as independent contractors (1099) under one of DMR's approved independent spray operators.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with loading and unloading agricultural spray drones and support equipment
  • Mix, measure, and refill water, chemicals, and spray tanks following all label instructions and safety procedures
  • Change batteries and manage charging cycles throughout the day
  • Set up and break down field operations
  • Help transport equipment between job sites
  • Maintain clean, organized work areas and trailers
  • Monitor equipment and report maintenance issues
  • Follow all FAA, EPA, and agricultural safety requirements
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong work ethic with a positive attitude
  • Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in heat, humidity, dust, and uneven terrain
  • Able to lift 75+ pounds repeatedly throughout the day
  • Reliable transportation
  • Valid driver's license
  • Mechanically inclined is a plus
  • Agricultural, construction, landscaping, equipment operation, military, or industrial experience preferred—but not required
Physical Requirements
This position regularly requires:
  • Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing
  • Lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
  • Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Working around water tanks, pumps, batteries, and agricultural chemicals while utilizing required PPE
What Makes Someone Successful
The best Field Tenders are:
  • Reliable—you show up early and ready to work.
  • Safety-focused—you understand that attention to detail matters.
  • Team players—you keep the operation moving without being asked.
  • Physically capable—you enjoy active work instead of sitting behind a desk.
  • Professional—you represent yourself well around customers and fellow contractors.
Independent Contractor Notice
This opportunity is offered through a DMR-approved independent spray applicator. Individuals selected for this role will perform services as independent contractors (1099) and are not employees of DMR Technologies. Compensation, scheduling, and work assignments are determined by the independent applicator with whom the contractor engages.
DMR Technologies
Built on the Bayou. Built for the Future.