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Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kiewit Corporation

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

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 ...

Kiewit

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

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 ...

CenterPoint Energy

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Drone Pilot to support our electric and gas utility operations through aerial inspections, data collection, and mapping. The ideal candidate ...

Aerotek

Drone Pilot / Drone Operator

Huntsville, AL

$200K/yr

Drone Pilot / Drone Operator A Drone Pilot with Group UAS/UAV expertise is responsible for executing safe, precise, and mission‑ready flight operations across both continental and international ...

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 ...

Tex-Air Drone

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This is a hybrid field-and-office role-- not strictly a flying job. As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist ...

LPL Solar LLC

Surveyor / Drone Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required Position Summary The Drone Pilot / Surveyor ...

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Experienced Drone Pilot - Agriculture Fleet Target Project States: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia Alpha Drones USA, Inc. is ...

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 ...

LPL Solar

Surveyor / Drone Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required Position Summary The Drone Pilot / Surveyor ...

Air Pixels, Inc.

$60 - $80/hr

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required Position Summary The Drone Pilot / Surveyor ...

New

LPL Solar

Surveyor / Drone Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required Position Summary The Drone Pilot / Surveyor ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - Weekend Shift

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot Location: Middle TN Worksite: In office Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on experience Hiring Through: FocusPoint (confidential client) Overview FocusPoint Talent Solutions is ...

LPL Solar LLC

$100 - $125/hr

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering Travel: Extensive travel to active project sites required Position Summary The Drone Pilot / Surveyor ...

New

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Drone Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.
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Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Drone Pilot

Kiewit Corporation

Abilene, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Kiewit Corporation rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction

Job description

Requisition ID: 181191 

Job Level: Mid Level 

Home District/Group: Kiewit Industrial District 

Department: Technology Group 

Market: 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 distribution projects. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on drone and LiDAR experience who is passionate about safety, data quality, and leveraging emerging technology in the field.

District Overview

The Kiewit Industrial District delivers direct-hire construction services for complex industrial projects across the United States. Our work spans multiple sectors, including data centers, mineral processing, energy and water, with projects ranging from small capital work to major EPC projects.

We are committed to safety, quality, and excellence in execution, providing our clients with world-class solutions while offering our employees stability, growth, and career development opportunities within a multi-billion-dollar organization. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, integrity, and a shared passion for construction.

If you're ready to take on complex, high-impact projects and make a lasting difference in the construction industry, the Kiewit Industrial District is where you can build a career that truly matters.

Location

Abilene, TX

Responsibilities
  • Conduct drone operations for asset inspections, environmental monitoring, and aerial surveys
  • Support survey planning activities, including flight path design and scheduling
  • Perform pre-flight planning, risk assessments, and post-flight data validation
  • Process and analyze data to produce accurate maps, models, and deliverables
  • Ensure strict adherence to FAA regulations and Kiewit safety standards
  • Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of drone systems and LiDAR equipment
  • Collaborate with project managers, GIS teams, and field personnel to meet project objectives
Qualifications
  • 1-3 years of experience in drone operations, aerial surveying, and/or LiDAR data collection
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geomatics, Engineering, or related field preferred
  • Experience with drone tools
  • Working knowledge of survey equipment and techniques (GPS, total stations)
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to travel and work in varying field environments
  • Expierence with editing videos using Adobe Premier 

#LI-MM1

Other Requirements:

  • Regular, reliable attendance 
  • Work productively and meet deadlines timely
  • Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
  • Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
  • Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
  • May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
 

What Kiewit Corporation employees say

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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884

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