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Entry Level Government 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 ...

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Entry Level Government Drone Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level government drone pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of missions or assignments can an entry level government drone pilot expect to support on a typical workweek?

As an entry level government drone pilot, you may participate in a variety of missions, such as conducting aerial surveys, assisting in search and rescue operations, monitoring infrastructure, or supporting environmental assessments. Your daily responsibilities often include pre-flight planning, equipment checks, following strict safety protocols, and collaborating with supervisors or field teams to collect and process aerial data. While most work is scheduled during regular hours, some assignments may require flexibility for urgent missions or changing weather conditions. Teamwork and clear communication with data analysts, field officers, or engineers are essential to ensure mission objectives are met safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Entry Level Government Drone Pilot vs Entry Level Commercial Drone Operator?

AspectEntry Level Government Drone PilotEntry Level Commercial Drone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, government-specific clearancesFAA Part 107 certification, industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public safety, infrastructure inspectionPrivate companies, real estate, media, surveying
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, local government agenciesCommercial businesses across various industries

While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, government drone pilots typically work for public agencies performing inspections, surveillance, or public safety tasks. Commercial drone operators serve private clients in industries like real estate, media, or surveying. The main differences lie in the work environment and employer type, with government pilots focusing on public service and commercial pilots on private sector projects.

What does an entry level government drone pilot do?

An entry level government drone pilot is responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support various government missions, such as surveillance, mapping, environmental monitoring, or emergency response. They follow strict protocols and safety guidelines, assist with flight planning, and help collect and analyze aerial data. Typically, they work under the supervision of more experienced pilots and may also be involved in equipment maintenance and reporting. This role often requires obtaining relevant certifications and adhering to federal and state aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Government Drone Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Government Drone Pilot, you need basic knowledge of aviation principles, drone operations, and a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and data collection tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to follow strict protocols help set candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, compliant, and effective operation of drones in support of government missions.
More about Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Government Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
Entry Level Government Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Government Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Locum Tenens, 46% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

FPV Drone Pilot/Instructor

Oak Grove Technologies

Hoffman, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC, a dynamic and fast-growing federal contractor, is seeking a First-Person View (FPV) drone pilot and instructor to support field operations and training across diverse environments. You'll operate Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms for data collection, testing, training, and mission support. This role requires extensive travel and the ability to remain on assignment for 3-6 months at a time.
We are hiring for both part-time, 1099 instructors based on the number of courses scheduled and requests for custom courses as well as Full-Time instructors. Candidates with prior military small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) experience are particularly well-suited for this role. Experience operating UAS in tactical environments, supporting mission planning, reconnaissance, training operations, or integration with maneuver elements provides a strong foundation for instruction within OGT's structured, performance-driven FPV training programs.
This position will require an onsite presence.
Requirements
FPV Drone Pilot Instructor (Group 1-2) - 1-3 Years Experience
Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, brief, and execute FPV UAS missions on Group 1-2 platforms in accordance with SOPs, airspace rules, and customer objectives.
  • Conduct pre-/post-flight inspections, mission planning, risk assessments, and debriefs; maintain accurate flight and maintenance logs.
  • Configure payloads and mission profiles; integrate sensors (e.g., EO/IR, RGB, multispectral) and verify data quality.
  • Troubleshoot in the field (communications links, GNSS, firmware, GCS, power systems) and perform minor maintenance and repairs.
  • Operate safely in varied terrain and weather; establish launch/recovery sites and manage battery/energy logistics.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (ops, safety, engineering, and customers) to meet mission timelines and deliverables.
  • Adhere to regulatory and site requirements (airspace authorizations, NOTAMs/TFRs, LAANC/waivers, range/site rules).
  • Contribute to SOP improvements, safety reporting, and after-action reviews.
  • Train and mentor U.S. military units, U.S. government agencies, and partner forces on Group 1-2 UAS operations, safety, and maintenance; develop lesson plans, conduct classroom/field instruction, evaluate proficiency, and document training outcomes.

Required Qualifications
  • 1-3 years hands-on experience operating Group 1-2 UAS platforms, including FPV and autonomous flight modes.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with GCS software and mission planning tools (e.g., ArduPilot/ArduCopter, PX4, QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or similar).
  • Strong FPV stick skills: precise low-altitude flight, confined-area navigation, and manual recovery techniques.
  • Experience delivering training to professional or government audiences; ability to tailor instruction for diverse skill levels and mission sets.
  • Experience with payload integration and data collection workflows.
  • Ability to travel frequently and remain on assignment for 3-6 months; valid passport or ability to obtain one if required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; comfortable working outdoors in varied conditions.
  • Excellent situational awareness, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain within 60 days).
  • Prior experience training U.S. military, federal agencies, or partner forces on UAS operations, safety, and maintenance; instructor certifications a plus.
  • Experience with BVLOS concepts, waivers, or shielded operations.
  • Familiarity with spectrum management and RF link tuning (2.4/5.8 GHz, sub-GHz, telemetry).
  • Field maintenance experience: airframe repairs, ESC/motor swaps, soldering, firmware flashing.
  • Sensor experience: EO/IR gimbals, mapping payloads, LiDAR, or thermal imaging.
  • Experience on named platforms common in Group 1-2 (e.g., DJI, Skydio, Teledyne FLIR, Ascent/Parrot, Auterion/PX4-based, custom builds).

Work Conditions
  • Field-based with extensive travel; deployments may last 3-6 months.
  • Irregular hours, weekend/holiday work possible based on mission schedule.
  • Outdoor environments including remote sites; PPE and safety protocols provided.

Location
  • Field deployments across the U.S. (and potentially OCONUS). Home-base flexible; proximity to a major airport preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary with field differential and per diem during travel.
  • Travel, lodging, and mission-related expenses covered per company policy.
  • Benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401(k)) and paid time off.

Security and Compliance
  • Ability to pass background check and drug screening.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States; ability to obtain site- or program-specific clearances as required.

Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive Pay, PTO, Health Benefits.
If you're ready to apply your expertise in a high-impact role, we encourage you to join our mission.
Oak Grove Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Oak Grove Technologies, LLC participates in E-Verify to determine an individual's identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is a service of DHS and SSA.

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