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Entry Level Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

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 ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Uncrewed Systems Specialist

Itasca, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Serve as a drone demo pilot, conducting live flight demonstrations to showcase UAS capabilities to ... Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel This is a full-time, entry-level position. Days ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Uncrewed Systems Specialist

Itasca, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Serve as a drone demo pilot, conducting live flight demonstrations to showcase UAS capabilities to ... Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel This is a full-time, entry-level position. Days ...

W S Darley & Co

Uncrewed Systems Specialist

Itasca, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Serve as a drone demo pilot, conducting live flight demonstrations to showcase UAS capabilities to ... Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel This is a full-time, entry-level position. Days ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Uncrewed Systems Specialist

Itasca, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Serve as a drone demo pilot, conducting live flight demonstrations to showcase UAS capabilities to ... Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel This is a full-time, entry-level position. Days ...

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Entry Level Drone Pilot information

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$21K

$50.8K

$98K

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drone pilot in the United States is $50,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do entry level drone pilots earn?

Entry-level drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and level of certification. Many start with freelance or part-time work, and earnings can increase with experience and specialized skills such as aerial photography or surveying.

What types of projects and industries do entry level drone pilots typically work in?

Entry level drone pilots often find opportunities across various industries such as real estate, construction, agriculture, and environmental surveying. Their daily tasks can include capturing aerial photography, conducting site inspections, creating maps, or assisting with land surveys under the supervision of more experienced pilots. Collaboration is common, as drone pilots frequently work with project managers, engineers, and data analysts to ensure that the footage or data collected meets project needs. Gaining exposure to different industries can also help entry level pilots identify areas for specialization and long-term career growth.

What does an entry level drone pilot do?

An entry level drone pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for a variety of basic tasks, such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspections under supervision. They are responsible for following flight plans, ensuring the safety of operations, and maintaining the drone equipment. Entry level pilots often assist with pre-flight checks, data collection, and may support more experienced pilots during larger projects. They typically work in industries like real estate, agriculture, construction, or media, and must comply with local aviation regulations.

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

AspectEntry Level Drone PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsPart 107 Certification often requiredPart 107 Certification often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial filming, surveyingOutdoor, aerial filming, surveying
Industry UsageMedia, real estate, agricultureMedia, real estate, agriculture
Job FocusFlying drones, capturing footage, basic data collectionOperating drones, managing flight plans, data collection

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments within industries like media and agriculture. The main difference is that an Entry Level Drone Pilot often focuses on flying and capturing footage, while a Drone Operator may handle more technical aspects like managing flight plans and data management. Both positions serve overlapping functions but may differ slightly in responsibilities depending on the employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drone Pilot, you need basic knowledge of aviation safety, manual drone operation, and familiarity with FAA Part 107 regulations, often supported by a high school diploma and a Remote Pilot Certificate. Proficiency in using drone control apps, GPS navigation, and post-processing software for images or mapping is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you adapt to changing environments and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations while delivering high-quality results to clients or employers.

Are entry level drone pilots paid well?

Entry level drone pilots typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on location, industry, and experience. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized skills, and the complexity of the drone operations performed.

Are entry level drone pilots in demand?

Entry level drone pilots are increasingly in demand across industries such as real estate, construction, agriculture, and media, as businesses adopt drone technology for aerial imaging and data collection. Having basic certifications and skills in operating drones and understanding safety regulations can improve job prospects in this growing field.
More about Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs are:
Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Locum Tenens, 46% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,769 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

Turner Mining Group

Remote

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 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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