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Entry Level Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$40 - $70/hr

This is not an entry-level content role. We are looking for someone with real production experience ... Must include examples of advanced cinematic drone piloting (including FPV-style flying through ...

... Drone Pilot Honor Guard Bomb Squad Courts Unit The Weld County Sheriff's Office sponsors up to 10 employees per year to attend a P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Training) academy. This academy ...

... Drone Pilot Honor Guard Bomb Squad Courts Unit The Weld County Sheriff's Office sponsors up to 10 employees per year to attend a P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Training) academy. This academy ...

... drone-captured data for our clients. About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in ... This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development.

... drone-captured data for our clients. About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in ... This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development.

... drone-captured data for our clients. About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in ... This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development.

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 ... Experience conducting field work, piloting drones, or processing drone data * Advanced GIS skills

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 15, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are entry level drone pilots in demand?

Entry level drone pilots are increasingly in demand across industries such as photography, surveying, agriculture, and construction, as businesses adopt drone technology for various applications. Having basic certifications and skills in operating drones and understanding safety regulations can improve job prospects in this growing field.

Are entry level drone pilots paid well?

Entry level drone pilots typically earn wages comparable to other entry-level technical roles, with pay varying based on location, industry, and experience. Starting salaries often range from minimum wage to around $15-$20 per hour, but specialized skills or certifications can lead to higher pay as experience increases.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs?

For Entry Level Drone Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,769 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Videographer & Content Creator (Part-Time)

Arlington Heights, IL

Path Construction
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$40 - $70/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Path Construction is seeking a highly skilled Videographer and Content Creator to capture and produce professional video, photography, and cinematic drone footage across our active jobsites and offices nationwide. This role is central to how we tell the story of our people, our projects, and our culture across recruiting, marketing, business development, and social media.

This is not an entry-level content role. We are looking for someone with real production experience who can shoot broadcast-quality video, edit quickly and cleanly, and operate a drone with genuine cinematic skill, including advanced FPV-style flying (navigating tight spaces, moving through structures, dynamic tracking shots). Final products should look like a professional broadcast package, not standard drone content.

A demo reel is required to apply. Applications submitted without one will not be considered.

This is a part-time position, 2 to 3 days per week (approximately 15-30 hours), with schedule flexibility based on project needs. This role will be based primarily in the Chicago area (approximately 60% of work), with travel to Path Construction offices and jobsites outside of Illinois, including Phoenix, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Tampa, required approximately once or twice per month.

About Path Construction

Path Construction is a national general contractor headquartered in Arlington Heights, IL, with offices and projects throughout the United States. Since 2008, we've delivered high-quality construction services across a diverse range of commercial markets while building lasting relationships with our clients, partners, and communities.

At Path, we believe our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to hiring driven, entrepreneurial individuals who want to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact on the projects and communities we serve.

Responsibilities
  • Capture professional video, photography, and cinematic drone footage at active construction jobsites, including advanced FPV-style flying through structures and tight spaces.
  • Film and edit interview-style videos featuring employees, clients, subcontractors, and project teams, including full on-site audio setup (lav mics, boom, sound levels).
  • Develop interview questions and story angles in collaboration with leadership and project teams ahead of each shoot.
  • Produce project highlight videos and reels with a polished, broadcast-quality look and pace.
  • Create engaging content for recruiting, marketing, business development, social media, and the company website.
  • Collaborate with leadership and project teams to identify stories and content opportunities across the company.
  • Edit and deliver high-quality videos quickly while maintaining Path Construction's brand standards.
  • Organize and maintain a library of video, drone footage, photography, and other digital assets.
  • Operate drones safely and in compliance with FAA regulations and all jobsite safety requirements.

Requirements

    • Demo reel required. Must include examples of advanced cinematic drone piloting (including FPV-style flying through tight or complex spaces) and fast, polished video editing. Portfolio should reflect broadcast-level production quality. Applications without a demo reel link will not be reviewed.
    • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
    • Experience filming, editing, and producing professional video content from concept through final delivery, on a fast turnaround.
    • Proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar editing software.
    • Experience with on-site audio production for interviews (mic setup, sound levels, clean audio capture).
    • Strong eye for storytelling, composition, lighting, and visual branding.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable directing and putting people at ease on camera.
    • Comfortable working independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
    • Comfortable working on active commercial construction jobsites and following all company and OSHA safety requirements.
    • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, walk uneven terrain, climb stairs, and wear required PPE (hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, steel-toed boots).
    • Experience in construction, architecture, engineering, industrial, or related industries is a plus.
Equipment
    • Path Construction provides standard camera and drone equipment, including DJI drones and professional DSLR photography equipment, along with industry-standard editing software. Candidates must supply their own FPV drone and piloting equipment (goggles, controller, etc.), as this specialized gear is typically personal to the pilot. Candidates who prefer to use their own standard camera or drone equipment in place of Path-provided equipment are also welcome.

Benefits

    • Hourly Compensation: $40.00-$70.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
    • Company cellphone and computer.
    • Financial and Mental Health Support through a third party.
    • Travel and Entertainment Discount Program.

Path Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.