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Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict ...

San Antonio Spurs

Drone Pilot

Tempe, AZ

Position Summary We are seeking a Remote UAS Pilot (1099 Contractor) to support live drone operations from our Remote Security Operations Center (RSOC). You will be directly responsible for executing ...

Eberl Claims Service

Drone Pilot

Jetmore, KS

We are looking for skilled and detail-oriented Drone Pilots to join our Eberl team and support property claims processes by capturing high-quality aerial imagery and data. This candidate will play a ...

Kiewit Corporation

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX

Industrial Employment Type: Full Time Position Overview Kiewit Industrial District is seeking a motivated Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ...

New

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Monday-Friday, 12a-8a Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on experience Hiring Through: FocusPoint (confidential client) About the Role A ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - Rotating Shifts

Nashville, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot - Rotating Shifts Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Rotating Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on experience Hiring Through: FocusPoint (confidential client) About the Role A leading ...

Industrial Access, Inc.

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

Industrial Access

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

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Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 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.

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.

How much do NFL drone pilots make?

NFL drone pilots typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drone operations. Salaries can vary widely, and many pilots work freelance or on a contract basis for specific events or broadcasts, often requiring FAA certification and specialized drone skills.

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 are drone pilots?

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 $80,000 annually for full-time positions, especially in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection that require advanced skills and certifications.

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 drone jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level drone pilot jobs often include aerial photography, real estate imaging, and basic inspection tasks that require minimal experience. These roles typically involve operating small drones, following safety guidelines, and may require a basic drone certification or training. Gaining skills in flight control and camera operation can help beginners advance in the field.
More about Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Pilot jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs? For Drone Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

TSMG

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements.
  • Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations.
  • Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS.
  • Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.