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Drone Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Exus Renewables North America

GIS Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

Experience with processing Aerial LIDAR Digital Elevation Model Data (DEM), Drone Imagery, or other raster based datasets. About Exus Renewables North America Exus Renewables North America is a ...

HX5 LLC

Test Support Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience piloting UAS/drone aircraft. Other Position Requirements * Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. * Must be able to complete a U.S ...

Space Kinetic

Electrical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost ...

RE/SPEC Inc.

Associate GIS Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products. * Experience applying GIS to engineering * Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests * Experience ...

The Pueblo of Sandia

Geospatial UAS Analyst

Bernalillo, NM · Remote

$37.54 - $42.24/hr

Serves as the primary Remote Pilot in Command for aerial data acquisition and manages the end-to-end lifecycle of drone-based mapping from flight planning to complex post-processing. Responsible for ...

RE/SPEC Inc.

Associate GIS Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products. * Experience applying GIS to engineering * Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests * Experience ...

Space Kinetic

Electrical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost ...

AeroVironment

Senior FPGA / Digital Design Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the ...

Space Kinetic

Electrical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost ...

RE/SPEC Inc.

Associate GIS Consultant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

FAA Part 107 Drone License and familiarity with Imagery and LiDAR derivative products. * Experience applying GIS to engineering * Experience using REST APIs, ETLs, and GET/POST requests * Experience ...

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Drone information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$15

$18

$22

How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone?

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. They are commonly used for a variety of applications including aerial photography, agriculture, surveying, delivery services, infrastructure inspection, and even emergency response. Drones can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight plans and sensors. Their versatility and ability to access hard-to-reach areas have made them valuable tools across many industries.

What are careers in the drone industry?

Careers in the drone industry include drone pilots, software or hardware designers, and positions that analyze and assess the data acquired by drones. As a drone pilot, you can work in a variety of fields, including the mapping, real estate, construction, photography and film production, and military industries. Your responsibilities differ depending on the industry, but your general duties are to operate the drone and return the data to your supervisor. As a designer, you typically only work for drone manufacturers. Your goal is to either improve existing products or produce new drones.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need expertise in piloting drones, understanding airspace regulations, and often a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent licensing. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators adapt to changing environments and coordinate with teams. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Drone operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and navigating complex airspace regulations. To manage these, operators need to conduct thorough pre-flight checks, stay updated on local regulations, and maintain open communication with their team. Additionally, ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for ensuring both the drone's integrity and the successful completion of missions.

What is the difference between Drone vs Photographer?

AspectDronePhotographer
Required CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification (for commercial use), drone operation trainingPhotography certifications (e.g., CPP), portfolio
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial locations, remote areasIndoor studios, outdoor scenes, various locations
Industry UsageReal estate, filmmaking, surveyingEvents, portraits, commercial shoots

Both drones and photographers require specialized skills and certifications. Drones focus on aerial imaging and often involve remote operation, while photographers capture images from the ground. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their visual needs.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career as a drone operator, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight regulations, and safety procedures. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license if operating commercially in the United States, and develop skills in remote piloting, photography, or videography depending on your focus. Gaining practical experience through training programs or personal practice is also essential.

How much can you get paid for drone work?

Drone operators can earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Freelance pilots or those working for companies may also charge per project, with rates varying accordingly. Certification and specialized skills can lead to higher pay in this field.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Yes, there is increasing demand for drone operators across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations are particularly sought after as drone usage expands in commercial applications.

What careers can you do with drones?

Careers with drones include roles such as drone pilot, aerial photographer, videographer, surveyor, inspector, and data analyst. These jobs often require knowledge of drone operation, FAA certification, and skills in photography, surveying, or data processing, depending on the industry sector. Drones are used in fields like agriculture, construction, filmmaking, real estate, and public safety.
More about Drone jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

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

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Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,932 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Research Assistant/Staff

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

 Formally established in 2020, the Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE) researches methods for the capture, analysis, and representation of spatial data characterizing physical and social phenomena, commonly referred to as Geographic Information Science (GIScience). GIScience is an inherently integrative field of study, relying on virtually all engineering fields for technological and theoretical advancements, and having applications in virtually all sciences. 
ASPIRE brings together faculty with expertise and cutting-edge research portfolios in a broad range of GIScience sub-fields, including spatial modeling, geo-visualization, remote sensing, and spatial statistics.

The Research Assistant will conduct LiDar Drone flights as a certified 107 remote pilot and will process data and produce reports for ASPIRE projects and the service cost center. 

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