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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 Jul 19, 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 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.

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:
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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 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,769 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Experienced Real Estate Photographer and Drone Pilot in Houston

Experienced Real Estate Photographer and Drone Pilot in Houston

Full Package Media

Houston, TX • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company parties
  • Training & development

We are seeking an experienced real estate photographer. If you do NOT have real estate photography experience, do not apply to this position (view our other entry level positions at fullpacakgemedia.com). The right person is a highly motivated individual who has a passion for photography and videography. Candidates will have an opportunity to create stunning photos and videos of real estate with industry leading equipment without the headache of managing the backend operations (scheduling, editing...etc).
About Full Package Media
Since 2016 we have provided media for thousands of homes for some of the largest names in real estate including brokerages like Dave Perry Miller, Compass Realtors, and Keller Williams. Our team is a high performing machine that is extremely focused on customer satisfaction and content creation.
The Mission:
At Full Package Media we believe that digital marketing is THE key to success for realtors and all other real estate related businesses. Magazine quality photography and eye catching videos are an absolute game changer when it comes to listing homes or showing off businesses online. We consistently create amazing media through streamlined processes and by having great photographers.
Requirements/Qualifications:
  • 2 Years experience shooting real estate photography or videography
  • Proven skills with a portfolio of work
  • Desire to join a team and become apart of a bigger company
  • Ambition - Do not apply if your goals are to just get by
  • An eagerness to grow photography and videography skills
  • Must be coachable and be willing/able to follow FPM systems and processes
  • Have a great attitude
  • Punctual and well dressed
  • Have a belief in quality customer service
  • Have an eye for creativity
  • Have reliable transportation

Frequently Asked Questions:
• What would I be doing? On a daily basis you will drive to your appointments, capture the media based on what was ordered, deliver a great experience, and upload the media you captured at the end of the day.
• What if I don't have the specific camera or drone FPM requires? That is no problem! We provide industry leading equipment to ensure consistency.
• What kind of person is Full Package Media looking for? We are looking for someone who understands the values and goals of the company and that they align closely with your personal goals and values. We are looking for a person with great character to be taught a great skill.
• Can I see an example of what Full Package Media does? Sure!
Visit fullpackagemedia.com and click "Samples"
Compensation: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Who We Are
Full Package Media is the premier real estate media production company. We are a team of creative minded individuals that work together to produce high quality photography, videography, 3D tours, and more for realtors and businesses. We truly consider ourselves to be a part of our customers' team as we work together to win more listings, sell more homes, and enhance our customers' brand.
Our Team
Our team is the heart and soul of Full Package Media. We have the training, the professionalism, and the desire to excel. And most importantly, an unselfish dedication to our clients. We are a diverse group of individuals that work together to create amazing media and a flawless customer experience. Our photographers and office staff come from many different backgrounds, but together we are a high performing machine that creates amazing media and has fun doing it!
Our Promise to Our Clients
Our dedication to our clients is unwavering. Most of our clients are entrepreneurs themselves juggling different responsibilities and wearing many hats. At FPM we consider ourselves to be a part of our client's team and that is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. We are committed to getting the job done right in order to meet and exceed our clients expectations.

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