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Drone Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Senior Survey Technician

Rochester, NY ยท Hybrid

$33 - $39.42/hr

Develop high-quality survey base mapping, DTMs, Right-of-Way plans, easement mapping, acquisition mapping, and 3D deliverables from field-collected survey, terrestrial scanning, and drone-mounted ...

Project Surveyor

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Knowledge of terrestrial LiDAR and UAV/drone surveying * Self-motivated, self-starter with the ability to work in a team environment and independently. * Maintain a current driver's license in good ...

Project Surveyor

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Knowledge of terrestrial LiDAR and UAV/drone surveying * Self-motivated, self-starter with the ability to work in a team environment and independently. * Maintain a current driver's license in good ...

Survey Crew Chief

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$27 - $38/hr

... and UAV/drone, structure monitoring in support of land surveying, civil engineering, architectural and environmental projects. You will be working under the direction of Licensed Professional ...

Survey Crew Chief

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$27 - $38/hr

... and UAV/drone, structure monitoring in support of land surveying, civil engineering, architectural and environmental projects. You will be working under the direction of Licensed Professional ...

Survey Crew Chief

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$27 - $38/hr

... and UAV/drone, structure monitoring in support of land surveying, civil engineering, architectural and environmental projects. You will be working under the direction of Licensed Professional ...

Project Surveyor

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Knowledge of terrestrial LiDAR and UAV/drone surveying * Self-motivated, self-starter with the ability to work in a team environment and independently. * Maintain a current driver's license in good ...

BIM/VDC Manager

Rochester, NY ยท On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Our services include 3D HD Laser Scanning, Drone Photogrammetry, 3D Modeling, Training, and BIM Coordination. We help firms stay ahead of evolving technology while improving productivity and ...

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Drone information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in Rochester, NY is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.83 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. Certified pilots with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection often command higher rates, and freelance work may pay per project rather than hourly.

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 drones?

Drone operators and pilots can work in various industries such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, and delivery services. These jobs often require knowledge of drone operation, safety regulations, and sometimes certification or licensing. Drones are used for tasks like mapping, monitoring infrastructure, and creating promotional content.

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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Drone jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone jobs in Rochester, NY? For Drone jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Drone jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Drone job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,591 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Senior Survey Technician

Fisher Associates

Rochester, NY โ€ข Hybrid

$33 - $39.42/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Description

Senior Survey Technician - Rochester, NY


Lead Rochester-area senior survey production supporting Fisher's headquarters market, Finger Lakes infrastructure programs, boundary and topographic mapping, transportation survey, LiDAR deliverables, ROW/easement mapping, and civil/site projects across Upstate New York.


Turn complex field data into accurate, client-ready survey deliverables while mentoring technicians, strengthening QA/QC, supporting Project Surveyors, and advancing consistent survey production standards across multidisciplinary infrastructure and site development work.


What You'll Do

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex survey production tasks, including multi-discipline infrastructure, boundary retracements, topographic surveys, LiDAR data integration, and digital terrain modeling.
  • Lead QA/QC reviews for survey base maps and deliverables prepared by Survey Technicians, serving as a trusted technical resource for accuracy, consistency, and schedule performance.
  • Develop high-quality survey base mapping, DTMs, Right-of-Way plans, easement mapping, acquisition mapping, and 3D deliverables from field-collected survey, terrestrial scanning, and drone-mounted LiDAR data.
  • Support firmwide capabilities in AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and OpenRoads, including technical guidance, training support, survey software workflows, and field equipment coordination.
  • Mentor survey technicians and support staff while collaborating with Project Surveyors, field crews, engineers, GIS, planning, and project delivery teams to solve technical issues and keep work moving.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

  • Associate's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • 5-10 years of progressive land surveying, survey CAD, survey production, mapping, or survey technician experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of land surveying mathematical principles, terminology, field methods, survey data processing, boundary/topographic survey workflows, and QA/QC expectations.
  • Extensive experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation/OpenRoads required; experience with LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanning, drone/UAV data, Leica systems, or DOT/agency standards preferred.
  • Professional ownership, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, integrity, respect, active listening, sound judgment, curiosity, and continuous-improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience preparing survey base maps, DTMs, ROW plans, easement/acquisition mapping, transportation survey deliverables, and civil/site survey support documents.
  • Ability to review, refine, and troubleshoot survey data from field crews, scanning, GPS, total station, LiDAR, and multidisciplinary project sources.
  • Comfortable mentoring technicians, supporting onboarding, sharing best practices, and helping standardize survey production workflows across projects and offices.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate with Project Surveyors, field crews, engineers, GIS staff, clients, and internal project teams.

Why Join Fisher

  • Step into a senior technical role where your survey expertise is valued, your voice is heard, and your work directly shapes successful project outcomes.
  • Work on meaningful infrastructure, transportation, civil/site, GIS, planning, and community-shaping projects while growing as a trusted survey production leader.
  • Join a collaborative, flexible culture built on mentorship, accessible leadership, ownership, professional development, continuous learning, and work-life balance.

Compensation + Benefits

  • Hourly range: $33-$39.42/hr; actual compensation varies based on experience, qualifications, education, and other factors and excludes the value of benefits.
  • Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO, paid holidays, and supplemental benefits.
  • Hybrid work schedule, professional development reimbursement, shareholders program, tuition assistance, strong work-life balance, and employee groups focused on community, inclusion, and employee voice.

Location Flexibility

This role is based in Rochester, NY. Fisher will also consider strong candidates located near Rochester, Buffalo, Canonsburg, Syracuse, Ithaca, Albany, or other established Fisher office locations, based on project needs and team alignment.

Fisher Associates is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.


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