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Entry Level Drone Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Drone information

See Ohio salary details

$28K

$47.1K

$57K

How much do entry level drone jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drone in Ohio is $47,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level drone?

Entry level drone jobs typically involve operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, mapping, or delivery services. These positions are suitable for individuals who are new to the drone industry and may require only a basic certification, like the FAA Part 107 license in the United States. Responsibilities often include piloting drones, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with data collection and analysis. Entry level roles provide hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone to more specialized or advanced drone careers.

What does an entry level drone operator do?

Entry-level drone operators are often tasked with conducting aerial surveys, capturing photos or video footage, and assisting with equipment setup and maintenance. These responsibilities are essential for supporting larger projects, such as mapping, inspections, or promotional content creation, by providing accurate data and visual assets. Working closely with more experienced pilots and project managers, entry-level operators contribute to safe flight operations and help ensure project deadlines are met. Collaboration and attention to detail are crucial, as the data collected is often foundational for client deliverables or internal analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level drone operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drone Operator, you need basic knowledge of drone flight principles, familiarity with aviation regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Proficiency in using drone control software, GPS navigation, and common data capture or imaging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure safety and efficient data collection. These skills and qualities are crucial for successful mission execution, compliance with legal requirements, and delivering high-quality results to clients or employers.

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

AspectEntry Level DroneDrone Operator
Required CredentialsBasic drone certification, possibly a drone pilot licenseAdvanced drone pilot license, FAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentTraining settings, small projects, indoor/outdoor environmentsField operations, construction sites, filming locations
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in photography, surveying, or inspectionCommercial drone services, media production, infrastructure inspection

While both roles involve operating drones, Entry Level Drone positions typically require basic certifications and focus on training and small-scale projects. Drone Operators usually have advanced certifications and handle more complex, large-scale tasks in various industries.

Can I make a career out of flying entry level drones?

Entry level drone operators can build a career by gaining experience, obtaining relevant certifications such as Part 107, and developing skills in aerial photography, videography, or surveying. Advancement opportunities include specialized roles in industries like agriculture, construction, or media, often requiring additional training and experience. Consistent work and professional development are key to progressing in this field.

How do I start a career in entry level drone?

To start a career as an entry-level drone operator, gain basic knowledge of drone technology and regulations, and obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 if in the United States. Building practical experience through practice flights and familiarizing yourself with drone software and safety procedures can improve job prospects in this field.

What entry level drone jobs are in demand?

Entry-level drone jobs in demand include aerial photography, videography, inspection services for construction, real estate, and agriculture, and basic mapping tasks. These roles often require a Part 107 drone certification and proficiency with flight and imaging equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Drone jobs in Ohio?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drone jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drone jobs in Ohio are:

Entry Level Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drone job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, and 78% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,130 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Entry-Level Software Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
AV's Specialized Exploitation & Targeting (SET) Department is seeking an entry-level Software Engineer to support NASIC at Wright-Patterson AFB. You will write and maintain multiple source code repositories for data analysis tools to support the production of technical intelligence products for warfighters, senior decision-makers, and the Intelligence Community. Technologies used in this position can range from languages such as C++, Python, and TypeScript.
Key Responsibilities
  • Enhance and maintain existing code bases for multiple applications and websites on both the Windows and Linux environments.
  • Participating in software design meetings and reviews.
  • Working with other software developers in a team environment.
  • Implementing unit tests and participating in functional test plan execution.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Math, or a closely related technical field.
  • 0-3 years of experience in software design, development, coding, testing, and debugging.
  • Knowledge in web/service-based design, programming, and requirements.
  • Knowledge in front-end technologies including JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS3, and HTML5 and third-party libraries such as Angular or React JS.
  • Knowledge of server-side programming languages such as C++, Python, and Go.
  • Familiarity using Git to manage code repositories.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Desired Qualifications
  • Familiarity with test-driven development such as Agile and Scrum, and in full-cycle development.
  • CompTIA Security+ certification.
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes and containers.
  • Familiarity with document stores like Elasticsearch and SQL stores such as PostgreSQL.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance level.

Competencies & Work Environment
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work in multiple code bases and support multiple tools simultaneously.

ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR

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