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Entry Level Drone Base Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Gresham

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR

$84K - $108K/yr

In addition to their base salary, officers may earn added compensation through overtime ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

CRH

Field Surveyor

Wixom, MI · On-site

This is an entry level to mid-level position. Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions ... Highly competitive base pay * Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs

CRH

Field Surveyor

Wixom, MI

This is an entry level to mid-level position. Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions ... Highly competitive base pay * Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location ...

All JobsDrone Base JobsEntry Level Drone Base Jobs

Entry Level Drone Base information

See salary details

$29.5K

$49.6K

$60K

How much do entry level drone base jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drone base in the United States is $49,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career as an entry-level drone operator, gain basic knowledge of drone technology and regulations, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license. Develop skills in operating drones safely and efficiently, and seek internships or entry-level positions in industries like photography, surveying, or inspection to build experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drone Base vs Entry Level Drone Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Drone BaseEntry Level Drone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification often required
Work EnvironmentBase operations, logistics, maintenanceFlying drones, data collection, inspections
Employer & IndustryLogistics, delivery, surveillance companiesSurveying, photography, inspection services

Entry Level Drone Base roles typically involve supporting drone operations, maintenance, and logistics at a central location, while Entry Level Drone Pilot positions focus on flying drones for data collection or inspections. Both roles often require FAA Part 107 certification and are common in industries like logistics, surveying, and inspection services. The main difference lies in the job focus: one is more operational support, the other more hands-on flying.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Drone Operator, you generally need a basic understanding of drone flight principles, FAA Part 107 certification, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drone control systems, flight planning software, and data collection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you adapt to different environments and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient drone operations and accurate data collection, which are critical for meeting project goals and regulatory requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level team members at Drone Base, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level team members at Drone Base often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technology, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring strict compliance with aviation safety regulations. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in ongoing training, and stay updated on industry best practices. Collaboration and open communication with team members also help in resolving technical or logistical issues efficiently. Embracing a learning mindset will allow new hires to grow and excel in this dynamic environment.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators, including entry-level positions, is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek individuals with basic flying skills, knowledge of regulations, and sometimes certification, making it a promising field for new entrants.

What are entry-level drone base jobs?

Entry-level drone base jobs typically involve operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, or inspection, usually under the supervision of more experienced pilots. These roles often require basic knowledge of drone technology, adherence to safety regulations, and sometimes a certification, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States. Entry-level positions are a great way to gain hands-on experience with drone operations and can lead to more advanced roles as skills and certifications are developed.

What drone jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level drone jobs suitable for beginners include aerial photography, basic inspection work, and data collection tasks that require minimal experience. These roles often involve operating small, user-friendly drones and may require a basic understanding of drone safety and regulations. Gaining certification such as the FAA Part 107 can improve job prospects in this field.

What is the 1 1 rule for drones?

The 1-1 rule for drones states that pilots should keep their drone within visual line of sight at all times and maintain a safe distance from people and property. For entry-level drone operators, understanding and following these safety guidelines is essential to ensure compliance with regulations and safe operation during training or work tasks.
More about Entry Level Drone Base jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Drone Base jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Drone Base job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Base jobs? The most popular types of Drone Base jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drone Base jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drone Base jobs are:
Entry Level Drone Base jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drone Base job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,574 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Turner Mining Group

Remote

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Our client, Firmatek is seeking self-motivated, innovative people with a passion for drone flight to travel nationwide and manually fly a drone to inspect utility infrastructure. Firmatek utilizes a variety of platforms to capture high-resolution cameras to capture detailed visual data of the power lines and associated infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be willing to travel long distances from their base of operations, sometimes for weeks at a time, and able to work both independently with no direct supervision and on a team. Adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are essential to success in this position.
IMPORTANT: Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel associated with this job, often requiring extended periods away from home including weekends and/or holidays. Almost every week Pilots are scheduled for jobs more than a few hours from their home location. Many jobs are a day's drive away or greater at times. Additionally, storm and disaster response work can be scheduled at a moment's notice when requested.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform image data collection using high resolution cameras and thermal imagery using a combination of LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, and FLIR equipment.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight operations, including but not limited to airspace coordination, equipment assembly and tear-down, and hazard mitigation.
  • Develop a flight plan that outlines the inspection route, waypoints, and areas of focus to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Employ thermal imaging capabilities to detect anomalies, hotspots, or potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
  • Employ proper flight techniques, including smooth maneuvers, maintaining appropriate distances from power lines, and capturing images from multiple angles for accurate analysis.
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot technical challenges that may arise during the inspection, such as signal interference, battery life, or camera calibration.
  • Ensure data integrity by regularly checking for image quality, sensor accuracy, and proper data storage to minimize errors or inaccuracies.
  • Perform quality checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and that the client's needs will be met.
  • Serve as a point of contact with clients regarding project scope, scheduling needs, deliverables and follow-up.
  • Interact with members of the public to explain the nature of the work being conducted.
  • Manual flights for inspection of power lines and poles.
  • Strong ability to learn and master multiple software packages, data collection platforms, and associated workflows.
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with an applied knowledge of Utility infrastructure, GIS mapping, & proficiency in manual flight maneuvers in narrow right of ways.
  • Be responsible for the operation and maintenance of supporting equipment including a 4x4 truck, computer workstation, on-board inverters, and batteries.
  • Must be able to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hardhats, protective eyewear, boots, safety vests, and 2-way radios.
  • Perform physically demanding work involving frequent standing, sitting, kneeling, bending, stooping, climbing up ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and lifting and carrying equipment up to 60 lbs.
  • Willingness to travel away from home for extended periods, many times longer than two weeks.
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive for extended periods.
  • Working around industrial hazards

Qualifications and Skills
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License - Required
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Provided by Company:
  • Company Truck
  • Company Phone
  • Company Laptop
  • Company Drones
  • Hotels covered by company
  • Daily meal per-diem for days you wake up in a hotel

Work Location: On the road.

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