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Entry Level Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

... 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.

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

... 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.

University of Utah

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL

$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

University of Utah

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

University of Utah

Laboratory Technicians

Campus, IL

$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

City of Gresham, OR

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

... Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety of ... K-9 * sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) * Explosive Detection Unit (EDU) * Rapid ...

City of Gresham

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

... Entry Level Police Officer positions. We are a full-service police department with a variety of ... SWAT Crisis Negotiation K-9 sUAS Pilots and DFR (drone as first responder) Explosive Detection Unit ...

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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 Sep 13, 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.
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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 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.

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX • On-site

Arch Aerial LLC
Library and Information Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Arch Aerial LLCexternal

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

GIS Technician (Photo, Video, and GIS Content Editor)
Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated GIS Technician with a passion for mapping, geospatial analysis, and 3D modeling, that also has an interest in photography and videography editing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in GIS, remote sensing, 3D modeling, and ESRI tools, combined with a creative eye for visual storytelling through imagery and video. This unique role blends data processing and analysis with media production to enhance the value of drone-captured data for our clients.
About the Role
The GIS Technician will play a key role in processing, analyzing, and delivering high-value geospatial data, aerial imagery, and inspection reports derived from drone operations. Additionally, the role includes opportunities for editing photography and videography content. While the primary focus (70%) is on GIS data processing, mapping, and reporting, the role also includes (30%) editing ground photography, and videography, as needed.
This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development. Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) field with a GIS focus are encouraged to apply. This is a salary position with varying desk and fieldwork responsibilities. Any fieldwork is conducted in industrial environments, often in hot and humid South Texas conditions, requiring physical stamina.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Duties (GIS & Data Processing Focus - 70%)
  • Process, analyze, and deliver GIS-based mapping products using ESRI ArcGIS, Pix4D, and other geospatial software.
  • Assist in the creation and delivery of pipeline inspection reports, methane detection reports, OGI, and hyperspectral payload data analysis. (Training available)
  • Develop, measure, and distribute aerial mapping datasets using drone-captured imagery and cloud-based GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online.
  • Manage, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for project stakeholders.
  • Troubleshoot and assist customers with data access, visualization, and interpretation.
  • Support data management and archival strategies to ensure long-term accessibility and security of drone-captured data.
Secondary Duties (Photography, Videography Editing & Fieldwork - 30%)
  • Edit and enhance photography and videography captured from drone and ground-based operations.
  • Assist in creating compelling visual content for internal and external marketing efforts.
  • If the candidate possesses the skills, capture ground-level photography and videography for project documentation and promotional materials.
  • Assist UAS Pilots on relevant projects, including driving and field support when necessary.
  • Support daily and monthly reporting for project tracking and operational efficiency.

Why Join Arch Aerial LLC?
  • Cutting-edge industry exposure in UAS, geospatial technology, and data analytics.
  • Hands-on experience with real-world GIS applications in industrial and commercial environments.
  • Career growth opportunities in drone-based GIS, remote sensing, and media production.
  • Supportive team environment with training and mentorship available.

If you're passionate about GIS, mapping, and 3D modeling but also have an interest in visual storytelling through photography and videography, this is the perfect role for you! Apply today to join our team and help shape the future of drone-based geospatial solutions.
Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
  • Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS Suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, etc.) and 3D modeling software.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience processing geospatial data, drone imagery, and 3D terrain models.
  • Basic experience with photography and videography editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar).
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook proficiency.
  • Dropbox (or other cloud management) proficiency.
  • Ability to work in physically demanding environments (hot/humid conditions, industrial sites).
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel for fieldwork when needed.

Preferred:
  • Associate's degree (or equivalent experience) in GIS, Geography, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, or a related field preferred, but not required
  • Experience with Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, or other photogrammetry software.
  • Familiarity with drone operations, UAS regulations, and remote sensing applications. (FAA Part 107 certification is a plus but not required at hire.)
  • Experience with video storytelling and marketing content creation.

Benefits
Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company 6 months prior to October 1st, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Eligible for 401K program, according to company limitations, 90 days after hire. Additional details provided during interview.

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