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Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tex-Air Drone

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable ...

Hearst

News Videographer - Editor

Cincinnati, OH

FAA licensed drone pilot a plus. * Can easily carry up to 50 pounds. Experience Requirements: * Professional experience with nonlinear editing software (Adobe Premiere or equivalent) required.

Hearst

News Videographer - Editor

Cincinnati, OH

FAA licensed drone pilot a plus. * Can easily carry up to 50 pounds. Experience Requirements: * Professional experience with nonlinear editing software (Adobe Premiere or equivalent) required.

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Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level licensed 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 is an entry level licensed drone pilot?

Entry level licensed drone pilots are individuals who have obtained the necessary certification, typically a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA in the United States, and are starting their careers operating drones professionally. They often work in industries such as real estate, agriculture, construction, surveying, and photography. Their primary responsibilities include flying drones safely, capturing aerial photographs or video, and sometimes processing basic data. Entry level pilots usually perform tasks under supervision or as part of a team, and continue to develop their flight skills and knowledge of regulations on the job.

What types of projects and industries do entry level licensed drone pilots typically work with, and how might these experiences shape future career opportunities?

Entry level licensed drone pilots often work on projects in industries such as real estate, construction, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Their daily responsibilities can include conducting aerial surveys, capturing imagery or video for clients, and assisting with mapping or inspection tasks. Working in diverse environments and collaborating with project managers, engineers, and other technicians helps pilots develop technical and communication skills, laying the groundwork for advancement into specialized roles like drone data analyst or operations manager. Exposure to various industries also allows new pilots to identify their preferred sectors and build a relevant portfolio, which is valuable for future career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level licensed drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA, basic understanding of aeronautical charts, and familiarity with aviation regulations. Experience with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor technology is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong communication skills help ensure safe operations and clear reporting. These competencies are vital for legal compliance, flight safety, and delivering accurate results to clients or employers.

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

AspectEntry Level Licensed Drone PilotCommercial Drone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial data collection, photographyOutdoor, aerial inspections, surveying, filming
Industry UsageReal estate, photography, hobbyistConstruction, agriculture, media production

Both roles require the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and involve outdoor drone operation. An Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot typically performs basic aerial tasks, while a Commercial Drone Operator may handle more specialized inspections or surveys. The main difference lies in the scope of work and industry applications, with the Commercial Drone Operator often working in more technical or industrial settings.

Are entry level licensed drone pilots in demand?

Entry level licensed drone pilots are increasingly in demand across industries such as real estate, construction, agriculture, and media, as businesses seek aerial imaging and data collection. Having a Part 107 certification and basic flying skills can improve job prospects in this growing field.
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Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Licensed Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

PSMA STEM DRONE PILOT INTERN

Chicago Public Schools

Phoenix, AZ

$15 - $19.75/hr

Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Phoenix STEM Military Academy seeks to develop young people to become better citizens and leaders with extraordinary character and a clear vision for success in post-secondary education at major universities, colleges, and top service academies.
Job Summary: The STEM Drone Pilot Interns will offer their skills as licensed drone pilots, serve as an aviation mentor and dedicate time to their school community to help build interest and knowledge of aviation and aviation related activities to the PSMA constituency.  This Internship will help the interns build relationships, improve written and oral communication skills and help build the efficacy of the STEM curriculum at Phoenix STEM Military Academy. 
This position will report to SFC Christopher Narvaez..
This student employee position will be compensated for time worked on an hourly basis. The work schedule for this role will consist of an estimated 8-15 hours per week - 2 hours/day after school hours for 4 days per week - for an anticipated period of 17 months beginning 3/1/24 and ending 6/30/25.
The STEM Program Lead Intern will complete duties such as the following: Design and facilitate drone training Assist in developing the spring and summer STEM drone program activities Provide prospective student outreach support to the Assistant Principal .Mentor students interested in STEM and aviation-related careers .Maintain and repair PSMA drones. Capture of still images and video by a remotely operated or autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (drone)Assist in developing, marketing, and recruiting STEM aviation events Lead the PSMA Drone Club Assist in administrative tasks assigned by supervisor  The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are preferred:
Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to collaborate with school staff and peer students as an active member of a team Proficient in the use of digital technology (ex: basic computers skills)
In order to qualify for this student worker position, candidates must be actively enrolled as a CPS student attending their junior or senior of high school during the 2023-2024 school year, must be 16 years of age and must  have an FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) License.  

e - Only students who will be 16 years of age or older by should apply to this job posting. If you are interested in this opportunity,

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