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Drone Pilot Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106.94 - $117.63/hr

Position Fixed Wing Pilot Location Albuquerque, NM Airframe King Air 200 Schedule 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range $106,939 - $117,633 Benefits * 15,000 Sign ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Corrales, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Placitas, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

As the Pilot in Command, you will be responsible to monitor the loading of cargo and ensure a comprehensive preflight and weight & balance is accomplished before each flight. Basic Success Criteria

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Part 135 Line Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

As the Pilot in Command, you will be responsible to monitor the loading of cargo and ensure a comprehensive preflight and weight & balance is accomplished before each flight. Basic Success Criteria

Fixed Wing Pilot

Edgewood, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$106K - $117K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Location : Albuquerque, NM Airframe: King Air 200 Schedule: 7 Days On and 7 Days Off or 14 Days On and 14 Days Off Annual Salary Range: $106,939 - $117,633 * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drone Pilot information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$46.6K

$123.1K

$189.1K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in Rio Rancho, NM is $123,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $145,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone pilot?

Drone pilots are professionals trained to remotely operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, agriculture, and delivery services. Drone pilots must follow aviation regulations and often require certification, depending on their country and the nature of their work. Their role involves planning flight paths, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and analyzing data gathered by the drone. As drone technology expands, the demand for skilled drone pilots continues to grow across multiple industries.

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

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need solid knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and piloting skills, typically supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 in the U.S.) or equivalent. Familiarity with drone-specific software, GPS systems, and high-resolution cameras is essential for operating and maintaining UAVs effectively. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and legal operation of drones in diverse environments.

What do drone pilots do?

The primary responsibilities of a drone pilot are to control and maintain an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). You can find drone pilot positions with both the military and other governmental organizations, as well as private companies, such as agricultural operations, film and television production companies, surveyors and mapping specialists, and environmental scientists. As a pilot, you perform a variety of duties, such as flying reconnaissance and taking aerial photography and aerial videography. In the military context, drone pilots operate UAVs which bomb targets from across the world.

What are some common challenges drone pilots face when working in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict airspace regulations, and technical malfunctions. To address these, it's important to conduct thorough pre-flight planning, stay updated on local regulations, and carry backup equipment. Working closely with clients and team members to set clear expectations and maintain open communication also helps ensure smooth operations and successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot vs Drone Photographer?

AspectDrone PilotDrone Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 licenseFAA Part 107 license (often required)
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including construction, agriculture, filmPhotography and videography projects
Job FocusOperating drones for data collection or inspectionCapturing images and videos with drones
Employer UsageCommercial companies, government agenciesMedia companies, event organizers, real estate

While both Drone Pilots and Drone Photographers operate drones, Drone Pilots focus on flying and operating drones for various purposes like inspections or mapping, often requiring a license. Drone Photographers specialize in capturing high-quality images and videos, often for media or marketing, and may also need certification. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their primary objectives and end-use of drone operations.

Do drone pilots make money?

Drone pilots can earn income through various roles such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and filmmaking. Earnings depend on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, with many pilots working freelance or for companies on a contract basis. Salaries or project fees typically range from hourly rates to fixed project costs.

How much do drone pilots earn?

Drone pilots 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 for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

How much do drone pilots get?

Drone pilots 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 $100,000 annually for experienced professionals working in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection, often requiring certifications and specialized skills.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for drone pilots is growing across industries such as photography, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating drones and adhering to regulations, with opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Drone Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Drone Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,140 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

$75K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Global Medical Response rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today!

Position: Fixed Wing Pilot 

Locations: Nationwide 

Airframe: Location Dependent. 

Schedule: Location Dependent. 

Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. 

  • 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete Training and Check Ride). 
  • 40,000 Retention Bonus (There is a 6 Month Waiting period and This is a 3 Year Program). 
  • Relocation Assistance. 
  • Company Paid Crew Housing at select locations. 

We’re hiring a Fixed Wing Pilot to provide medical air transportation services to our customers. The pilot will operate aircraft for which they hold the appropriate qualifications. Aircraft are assigned by base location, with each base operating specific aircraft types; pilots fly only the aircraft supported at their assigned base. Aircraft may include King Air (C90/200/350), PC12, Caravan (C208), or Hawker aircraft. Scheduled shifts run according to location, and service day or night shifts. Safety is a key pillar of our services; therefore, all of our pilots work on a quality, professional team that are committed to high safety standards for the crew and our customers. 

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

  • Commercial Airplane Multi Engine Land (C-AMEL) or Single Engine Land (C-ASEL) where required. 
  • Must have or be willing and able to obtain ATP. 
  • Single Pilot IFR experience preferred. 
  • Valid and unexpired driver's license. 
  • Current FAA Class I or II Medical Certificate. 
  • 2,500 Total flight hours (3000 total flight hours for jet airframes) 
  • 2,000 Fixed wing hours. 
  • 1,000 PIC hours. 
  • 500 Cross country hours. 
  • 500 Multi-engine hours (where applicable for multi-engine aircraft). 
  • 100 Night hours. 
  • 75 Instrument (50 actual) hours. 
  • Training contract required for Eagle Med roles only; candidates should be aware of and willing to agree to applicable requirements. 
  • Extensive International Travel is Required for AirMed International only; candidates should be aware of and willing to agree to applicable requirements. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Pilot will work with a team of medical experts to safely transport customers to and from locations and facilities. 
  • Ensure aircraft readiness for flight dispatches as described in the appropriate manuals, including all FAR and company requirements, and aircraft cleanliness duties. 
  • Maintain accurate company and regulatory documentation and record keeping for shifts, load manifests, etc. 
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with both air and ground dispatch, flight crews, facilities and partners. 
  • Provide shift change info to transitioning pilot and team and follows protocols for recording company change board details. 
  • Pilots are accountable to maintain required certifications and ongoing ground and air training. 

Working Conditions: 

  • Required to work in outside weather conditions. 
  • Must be able to work night, day, and overnight shifts as assigned. 
  • May need to de-ice the plane, assist with towing the aircraft and maneuvering in and out of the hangar, prep the plane for flight. 

 

Preferred Education: 

  • Minimum of a High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or higher. 

Why Choose GMR?Global Medical Response(GMR) and its family of solutions are dedicated to delivering compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services.Here you’ll embark on meaningful work that will make an impact on you and the customers we serve.View the stories on how our employees provide care to the world atwww.AtaMomentsNotice.com. 

GMR’s Core Behaviors—keep care at the center, raise your hand,seekto understand, find a way together and be accountable—uniteour teamsand set us apart in emergency medical services. 

Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Global Medical Response employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Global Medical Response

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission of providing care to the world at a moment's notice is at the heart of everything we do. We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. With more than 38,000 employees, Global Medical Response teams deliver compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services around the world. We provide end-to-end medical transportation as well as fire services, integrated health-care solutions and disaster response.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwood Village, CO, US

Year founded

2018