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Entry Level Aerial Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development ... Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ...

3D SURVEY CONSULTANTS

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Surveyor - Construction Surveyor - Entry Level

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Machine Control Technicians * Drone Operators (Part 107) Who We Are3D Survey Consultants ... Modeling, Aerial Mapping, and GPS Machine Control. Our projects include: * Highway & Bridge ...

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Entry Level Aerial Drone information

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How much do entry level aerial drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aerial drone in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aerial Drone vs Entry Level Drone Photographer?

AspectEntry Level Aerial DroneEntry Level Drone Photographer
CredentialsDrone pilot certification, basic photography skillsDrone pilot certification, photography skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, real estate, eventsOutdoor, events, real estate, marketing
Industry UsageConstruction, real estate, surveyingReal estate, marketing, events

Both roles involve flying drones and capturing aerial footage, but Entry Level Aerial Drone focuses more on technical drone operation across industries, while Entry Level Drone Photographer emphasizes photography and videography skills for marketing and events. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right entry-level position in the drone industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level aerial drone operators, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level aerial drone operators often encounter challenges such as mastering flight controls, interpreting airspace regulations, and ensuring safety during operations. Adapting to varying weather conditions and troubleshooting technical issues with equipment are also common hurdles. New operators can overcome these by seeking hands-on training, staying updated on local aviation laws, and regularly practicing both manual and automated flight maneuvers. Working closely with more experienced team members and participating in safety briefings will further help build confidence and competence.

What are entry level aerial drone jobs?

Entry level aerial drone jobs involve operating drones for various purposes such as photography, surveying, mapping, or inspection under the supervision of experienced pilots or teams. These roles typically require basic knowledge of drone operation, safety protocols, and relevant regulations. Entry-level positions may include drone operator, drone technician, or assistant pilot, and often serve as a starting point for careers in industries like real estate, agriculture, construction, or media. Most employers look for candidates with at least a high school diploma and some hands-on experience or certification, such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the United States.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Drone Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Drone Operator, you need a basic understanding of drone flight principles, safety regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone control software, GPS navigation systems, and image or video capture tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate drone operations for tasks such as surveying, inspection, or media production.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Drone jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Drone jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerial Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerial Drone jobs are:
Entry Level Aerial Drone jobs near you
Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Kermit, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in a Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) role to assist and execute drone-based data collection missions focused on aerial mapping data, leak detection data, and other hyper-spectral payload data, primarily on Arch Aerial's customers' energy assets in West Texas and New Mexico. Travel will be required from time to time.
The candidate should expect a majority of in-field work operating unmanned aerial systems. In-field work will be in industrial applications with West Texas (hot) conditions in the summer, and West Texas (cold) conditions in the winter, which are physically demanding.
This is an entry level position with immediate opportunities for training, however previous experience with the DJI M300/M350 specifically, and DJI aircraft in general, are a huge advantage to a candidate. Those with previous experience using leak detection equipment for methane scouting are also highly encouraged to apply.
Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems field are appropriate candidates, however skills and requirements are listed further below, and preference will be given to those with the skills listed as primary and secondary traits. Integrity and organizational skills are highly valued (more so than a specific educational degree). This is a full-time position.
FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) will be responsible for:
Primary Duties
  • Assisting (the Operations Manager, Western Region) with the daily collection of drone-based aerial mapping (visible spectrum), drone-based aerial leak detection (methane laser), and drone-based aerial hyper-spectral data (OGI and other payloads).
  • Conducting UAS (drone) operations at construction sites, pipeline right of ways, pump stations, refineries, well pads, and other facilities.
  • Daily and monthly maintenance of drone and ground based equipment, and vehicles.
  • Assisting with daily compiling of inspection reports.
  • Assisting Jr. Data Technicians or Jr. UAS Pilots in the same region. These Jr. Data Technicians and Jr. UAS Pilots will assist both the West Texas region, but also overflow for data from other regions in times of high demand.
  • Assisting with creation, measurement, and delivery any additional reporting.
  • The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) applying for this position will also be required from time to time, to assist with daily data delivery for overflow data collected at other regions of the company's operational footprint.
  • Driving to and on Arch Aerial's customers' assets on relevant projects.
  • Assist with Arch Aerial LLC data management initiatives for current work and archival strategies.
  • Being a constant ambassador and sales-minded representative of the company when interacting with peers, other operators, or other service companies in the field.
  • Being a safety-minded operator that protects their own individual safety and the integrity of the equipment they are operating.

Requirements
Primary Requirements:
  • Adobe Acrobat Proficiency
  • Dropbox Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Windows and Mac OS Proficiency
  • Safety-Minded Attitude
  • Ability and willingness to travel beyond West Texas and NM from time to time.

Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement (current)

Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)
  • DJI M300 Piloting Experience
  • OGI Certification
  • TWIC Card (current)
  • Thermographer I Certification
  • Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
  • Adobe Premiere Proficiency
  • Adobe After Effects Proficiency
  • Ground Photography Proficiency

The ideal candidate will also possess the following character traits:
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Self - starter willing to develop and suggest improvements to process and method to managers when they observe such opportunities.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to create materials that communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively.

Training Opportunities
  • Although candidates with the Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train, and test for the Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement if not already held.
  • Although candidates with DJI M300 series experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M300 series experience if not already held.
  • OQ Certification.
  • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
  • Cloud data management.
  • Photogrammetry.
  • LiDAR

Benefits
Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company with the required amount of time prior to October 1, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Additional details provided upon interview.

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