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Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McCarthy Building

Field Engineer-Survey

Omaha, NE · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

In addition to traditional survey means and methods the Geomatics Field Engineer will be ... Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, IR, and multispectral ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

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Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilot information

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aerial survey pilot in the United States is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level aerial survey pilot?

Entry level aerial survey pilots are professional pilots who operate aircraft to capture images and data for mapping, land assessment, environmental studies, and other surveying projects. They typically fly small planes at low altitudes along precise flight paths to collect accurate geographical or photographic data. These positions are suitable for pilots with a commercial pilot's license who are looking to gain experience and flight hours. Duties often include pre-flight planning, operating specialized camera or sensor equipment, and ensuring the safety of the aircraft and equipment during missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aerial survey pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilot, you generally need a commercial pilot license, strong navigation skills, and a solid understanding of aerial mapping techniques. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, aerial camera equipment, and flight planning software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently in varying conditions are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure precise data collection, safety, and reliability in aerial survey operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level aerial survey pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level aerial survey pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to precise low-altitude flying, managing fatigue during long flight hours, and coordinating with survey technicians and ground crews. Mastering specialized flight patterns and maintaining focus over repetitive routes are crucial skills. Effective communication with the survey team and a strong commitment to safety help address these challenges. Many employers offer thorough training and mentorship to support new pilots as they build experience and confidence.

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

AspectEntry Level Aerial Survey PilotEntry Level Drone Operator
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, specific aerial survey certificationsRemote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Work EnvironmentManually piloting aircraft for surveys, often in remote areasOperating small drones for data collection, often indoors or in controlled environments
Industry UsageSurveying, mapping, environmental monitoringPhotography, inspection, data collection

Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilots operate manned aircraft for surveying purposes, requiring pilot licenses and experience. Entry Level Drone Operators use small unmanned drones, needing remote pilot certification. While both roles involve aerial data collection, the pilot operates different equipment and environments, with the survey pilot focusing on larger aircraft and more complex missions.

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Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aerial Survey Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,000 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

Clearwater-Marine-Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

Temporary Clearwater, FL, US

18 days ago Requisition ID: 1101

This position is dependent upon grant funding. The location is in a field house. The field houses are located in GA, NC, SC. The length of the position is based on the field house location.

POSITION TITLE:Right Whale Aerial Team Leader

REPORTS TO:Right Whale Project Coordinator

SUPERVISES:Right Whale Observers

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT:Non-Exempt, Temporary

PERCENTAGE OF FT WORK:100%

LOCATION: Offsite

PERMANENT/TEMPORARY/SEASONAL:Temporary

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Participate in right whale aerial surveys in the southeastern U.S. coastal waters
  • Communicate and coordinate daily aircraft support with aircraft vendor pilots, other Team Leaders and right whale research-based platforms
  • Coordinate survey flights in accordance with weather-related conditions, military training schedules and right whale migration pattern shifts
  • Scheduling of staff
  • Collect data and images on large whales (condition, behavior, associations, status, etc.), and location data on vessels and other species of interest
  • Facilitate the transmittal of location information to the various communication networks, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, New England Aquarium, and NOAA
  • Photograph sightings via digital photography with processing and matching those images following each flight
  • Manage, analyze, and conduct quality control checks on aerial survey data and photographic images
  • Facilitate the transmittal of data to managers and other appropriate agencies through weekly and final reports
  • Present information to the scientific and public communities

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • International applicants must secure own visas or other required documentation
  • Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience
  • Previous experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans preferred
  • Strong administrative and supervisory skills are preferred
  • Successful completion of aviation and marine safety and survival training upon hire
  • Demonstrated proficiency in database entry and Microsoft Office programs
  • Demonstrated ability with memorization skills
  • Proven track record of attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain open lines of communication
  • Ability to live and work well in a team environment is essential
  • Expect to work on weekends and holidays

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Survey flights require continual focus with eyes and ears - daily
  • Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours - daily
  • Ability to work while in close, confined spaces - daily
  • Ability to work in extreme varying environmental conditions EX: humidity, heat, and rain - daily
  • Strong tolerance to working on a continuous motion-based platform - daily
  • Weekend and holiday work required - frequently

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

A statement of "temporary" position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has a set end date (typically up to 1 year) and/or has deliverables to be met and if those deliverables are not met the position may be terminated.In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reasonand as such continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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