ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Pilot Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Hermann

Life Flight Pilot

Pavilion, NY

Memorial Hermann expects pilots to pass ATP checkride with 2 years of employment start date paid for by Memorial Hermann. Minimum Qualifications Education: (None) Licenses/Certifications: Commercial ...

Mercy Flight Central Inc

Helicopter Pilot

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

Description Job Summary The Pilot-In-Command is responsible for safe and effective aircraft operations, ensuring aircraft are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient as requested. Responsible ...

Mercy Flight Central Inc.

Helicopter Pilot

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

Job Summary The Pilot-In-Command is responsible for safe and effective aircraft operations, ensuring aircraft are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient as requested. Responsible for ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Walworth, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Honeoye, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lakeville, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hilton, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Brockport, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Hemlock, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Rochester, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Fairport, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Holley, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Batavia, NY

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

All JobsDrone Pilot JobsDrone Pilot Jobs in Rochester, NY

Drone Pilot information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$48.8K

$129.2K

$198.3K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in Rochester, NY is $129,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $152,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and adhering to regulations, leading to increased job opportunities in this field.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 full-time positions, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

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.

More about Drone Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY? For Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Drone Pilot job openings:
Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,171 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Civil / Structural Assistant Team Leader

GREENMAN-PEDERSEN INC.

Rochester, NY

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

GPI has an exciting opening for an Assistant Team Leader to be primarily assigned to our structural condition inspection contracts with NYSDOT, NYSCC, NYSTA and NYPA. In this role, the candidate would work with a professionally licensed Team Leader, inspecting in-service infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, water control structures and overhead highway signs.

GPI is a multi-discipline engineering firm providing planning, design, and construction services for transportation infrastructure and building system projects throughout the United States for over 50 years. Ranked in the Top 100 Firms by Engineering News Record, GPI is a forward-thinking, innovative firm with a culture that is committed to excellence and fosters staff empowerment.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform on-site, structural condition inspections under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer, in accordance with industry and client standards (Visual, Tactile & NDT)
  • Assist in the preparation of reports to document observed conditions
  • Operate mobile elevated work platforms, aerial drones, and remotely operated underwater vehicles

Qualifications:

  • Education / Experience
    • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, or
    • Associate's Degree in Engineering + 2 years of bridge-related work experience, or
    • 4 years of bridge-related work experience
  • Ability to work at height and adjacent to active traffic
  • Ability to climb structures while wearing fall protection equipment
  • Proficiency with MS Office production applications
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and/ or MicroStation drafting applications is preferred
  • Recreational or commercial diving certifications are a plus
  • Rope access credentials are a plus
  • An aerial drone pilot license is a plus

Apply