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Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ... UAS Pilots on relevant projects, including driving and field support when necessary. * Support ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ... UAS Pilots on relevant projects, including driving and field support when necessary. * Support ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud ... UAS Pilots on relevant projects, including driving and field support when necessary. * Support ...

Hirani Group

Instrument Person

Hicksville, NY

$70K - $120K/yr

... Pilot Certification and experience operating UAVs for aerial mapping Hands-on experience with Leica LiDAR scanners for high-accuracy 3D data collection Familiarity with managing or working on ...

Hirani Group

Party Chief

Hicksville, NY

$85K - $154K/yr

... Pilot Certification and experience operating UAVs for aerial mapping Hands-on experience with Leica LiDAR scanners for high-accuracy 3D data collection Familiarity with managing or working on ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

New York, NY

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... mapping, inspection, and videography. Key Responsibilities: * Operate drones for aerial photography ...

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Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot information

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How much do entry level aerial mapping pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aerial mapping pilot 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and a basic understanding of aerial survey techniques. Familiarity with GPS systems, flight planning software, and aerial camera or LiDAR equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate data collection and effective collaboration with survey teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level aerial mapping pilots during field operations?

Entry level aerial mapping pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing complex flight plans over unfamiliar terrain, and ensuring precise data capture while operating specialized aerial mapping equipment. Additionally, coordinating with ground teams and air traffic control requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves thorough pre-flight preparation, ongoing training, and close collaboration with experienced team members.

What are entry level aerial mapping pilots?

Entry level aerial mapping pilots are professionals who operate aircraft, typically drones or small planes, to capture aerial images and data for mapping and surveying purposes. They are responsible for flying specific routes, following safety protocols, and using specialized equipment to collect accurate geographic information. These pilots often work under the supervision of experienced mapping teams and may assist in processing and analyzing the collected data. Entry level positions usually require a pilot's license, familiarity with mapping technology, and strong attention to detail. This role is vital in industries such as construction, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectEntry Level Aerial Mapping PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, basic pilot trainingFAA Part 107 certification, may include additional certifications for specific drone types
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-site mapping projects, often in rural or industrial areasIndoor or outdoor, various settings including filming, inspections, or surveying
Industry UsagePrimarily in surveying, mapping, GIS, and constructionMedia, real estate, inspections, and general drone operations

While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve drone operation, Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilots focus on mapping and surveying tasks, often in outdoor environments, whereas Drone Operators may work in diverse industries like media or inspections with broader operational responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs are:
Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerial Mapping Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 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 $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
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

Posted 7 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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