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Entry Level Uas Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

The Talmadge Group

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Drone Pilot - GSDF 911th Support BN

Ellenwood, GA · On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

Drone Pilot - 911th Support Battalion Volunteer Military Service | Georgia Georgia State Defense ... About the 911th UAS The 911th UAS is the Georgia State Defense Force's specialized small Unmanned ...

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle to capture aerial images and videos. This contractor will inspect structures for major insurance ...

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 ... UAS) industry.

XTEND

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Description The Flight Operations Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe operation, mission execution, and flight testing of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of customer, engineering ...

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Entry Level Uas Drone Pilot information

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$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level uas drone pilot in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level UAS drone pilot?

Entry level UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) drone pilots are individuals who operate drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, agriculture, and mapping, typically at the beginning of their career. They are responsible for safely controlling drones, following regulations, and collecting data or imagery as required by their employer or client. Entry level pilots usually hold a remote pilot certification (such as the FAA Part 107 in the U.S.) and may work under the supervision of more experienced drone operators as they gain hands-on experience.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level UAS drone pilot?

To excel as an Entry Level UAS Drone Pilot, you need a solid understanding of drone operation, FAA regulations, and basic aeronautical knowledge, usually supported by a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and data collection tools is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations across diverse environments and industries.

What are common challenges faced by entry level UAS drone pilots, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level UAS drone pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technology, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, and building confidence in real-world flight operations. Staying updated through regular training sessions and industry resources can help pilots remain compliant and proficient. Additionally, working closely with experienced team members and seeking mentorship can accelerate learning and help overcome initial hurdles, making it easier to handle complex missions and troubleshoot technical issues.

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

AspectEntry Level Uas Drone PilotUas Drone Operator
CertificationsPart 107 Certification often requiredPart 107 Certification often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor locations, construction sites, agricultureFieldwork, outdoor locations, media production, inspections
Employer & IndustryCommercial, agriculture, construction, real estateMedia, inspection, surveying, public safety

Both roles typically require similar certifications like the Part 107 license and involve outdoor drone operation. The main difference lies in the job scope: an Entry Level Uas Drone Pilot often refers to someone starting in the field, focusing on flying and basic operations, while a Uas Drone Operator may have broader responsibilities including data collection and analysis. Both roles are essential in industries utilizing drone technology for various applications.

How do I start a career as an entry level Uas drone pilot?

To start a career as an entry-level UAS drone pilot, you should obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA by passing the Part 107 exam, gain experience flying drones safely, and develop skills in operating various drone models and understanding airspace regulations. Building a portfolio of flight work and staying updated on industry standards can also improve job prospects.
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Entry Level Uas Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Uas Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX • On-site

TSMG
See more jobs at TSMGexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements.
  • Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations.
  • Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS.
  • Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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