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Drone Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

LANTRONIX

Senior Regional Sales Manager (WEST)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

You will be the primary Lantronix field presence in the Pacific Northwest, targeting drone OEMs, robotics integrators, defense sub-primes, and commercial autonomy companies. Working closely with ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

SA Recycling

Draftsman-Surveyor

Orange, CA · On-site

Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software. • Drone operating experience. • Bilingual in English and Spanish *= Requirements for position. NOTE: Items without a "*" are not ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil ...

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All JobsDrone JobsDrone Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$18

$21

$26

How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in Riverside, CA is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 drone pilots or those working for companies may also charge per project, with rates varying accordingly. Certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher pay in this field.

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 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 kind of jobs can you do with a drone?

Drone operators and pilots can work in various industries such as aerial photography, videography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, search and rescue, and infrastructure monitoring. These roles often require certification, knowledge of FAA regulations, and proficiency with drone technology and software.

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 to get a job flying a drone?

To get a job flying a drone, you should obtain a drone pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, gain experience with different drone models, and develop skills in aerial photography, videography, or surveying. Building a portfolio and understanding regulations are also important for employment in industries like filmmaking, agriculture, or inspection services.

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 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 drones and what are they used for?

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.
More about Drone jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Drone jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone jobs in Riverside, CA? For Drone jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone job openings:
Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,034 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Civil Cad operator/Drone Operator/GPR Operator

Adkan Engineeers

Riverside, CA • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

2 years as Civil Cad operator experience, will train Drone operator and GPR Operator. No college required, Start immmidiately