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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

$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

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

As of Jun 11, 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.

What drone jobs are best for beginners?

Entry level drone pilot jobs suitable for beginners often include aerial photography, real estate imaging, and basic inspection tasks. These roles typically require a Part 107 certification, a basic understanding of drone operation, and adherence to safety regulations. Gaining experience with small, user-friendly drones helps build skills for more advanced roles.

Can you get drone jobs with no experience?

Entry level drone pilot positions often do not require prior experience, but having basic knowledge of drone operation, safety procedures, and relevant regulations can improve chances. Many employers provide on-the-job training or require certification such as the FAA Part 107 license. Building skills through practice and obtaining certification can help new pilots qualify for entry-level roles.

Are drone pilots in demand?

Drone pilots, especially entry-level ones, are increasingly in demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, real estate, and media. The growth of drone technology and the need for certified pilots with knowledge of FAA regulations and safety procedures contribute to job opportunities in this field.

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.

What Does an Entry-Level Drone Pilot Do?

The job of an entry-level drone pilot, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle flight coordinator, involves the flight operations of a drone. Their duties may include flying commercial or private drones, mapping landscape, producing and editing photos and videos, and managing related technology. An entry-level drone pilot can work in various areas, including journalism, public safety, videography, construction, agriculture, military, real estate, education, transportation, and more. Although in some cases an entry-level pilot may fly drones independently, they typically assist a senior pilot as they gain hands-on experience and improve their skills. Qualifications include the FAA Remote Pilot certification.

What is the 400 foot rule for drones?

For entry level drone pilots, the 400 foot rule refers to the FAA regulation that drones must be flown at or below 400 feet above ground level to avoid conflicts with manned aircraft. Adhering to this rule is essential for safe operation and often a requirement for obtaining drone certification or waivers.
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Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs near you
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 8 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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