ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Responder Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motorola

DFR Solutions Architect

Washington, DC · Remote

$71.25 - $94/hr

Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety. We are actively seeking a ...

Motorola

DFR Solutions Architect

Florida, NY · Remote

$64.75 - $85.50/hr

Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety. We are actively seeking a ...

Motorola

$62.25 - $81.75/hr

Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety. We are actively seeking a ...

Motorola

$60.25 - $79.50/hr

Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety. We are actively seeking a ...

Motorola

$59.75 - $78.50/hr

Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety. We are actively seeking a ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Sr. Drone Controls Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

We are seeking an Sr. Drone Controls Engineer to develop and implement precision aircraft flight ... first responders, and search-and-rescue teams do their jobs better. We're looking for passionate ...

Teledyne

Sr. Drone Controls Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

We are seeking an Sr. Drone Controls Engineerto develop and implement precision aircraft flight ... first responders, and search-and-rescue teams do their jobs better. We're looking for passionate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Responder Drone Jobs

First Responder Drone information

See salary details

$17

$20

$25

How much do first responder drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder drone in the United States is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do people who fly drones for money get paid?

First responder drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Some may work as freelancers or contractors, which can affect their rates, and certifications in drone operation can improve earning potential.

How do First Responder Drone operators typically coordinate with emergency response teams during an incident?

First Responder Drone operators work closely with emergency response teams, such as firefighters, police, and medical personnel, to provide real-time aerial imagery and situational awareness. They often participate in pre-incident planning meetings to establish communication protocols and integrate their operations with the wider response strategy. During an active incident, operators relay critical information to team leaders, helping to identify hazards, locate victims, and assess the effectiveness of response efforts. Effective coordination often requires strong communication skills and familiarity with emergency management procedures.

How do you become a police drone operator?

To become a police drone operator, individuals typically need a background in law enforcement or emergency services, along with training in drone operation and FAA certification if in the United States. Skills in remote piloting, understanding of airspace regulations, and familiarity with drone technology are essential for this role.

What are First Responder Drones?

First Responder Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that assist emergency services, such as police, fire, and medical teams, during critical incidents. These drones are equipped with cameras, sensors, and sometimes communication tools to provide real-time situational awareness and support rapid assessment of emergencies. By quickly reaching areas that may be dangerous or inaccessible to humans, they help responders make informed decisions, locate victims, and coordinate resources more efficiently. Their use can improve safety, speed up response times, and potentially save lives in emergencies.

What is the difference between First Responder Drone vs Search and Rescue Drone?

AspectFirst Responder DroneSearch and Rescue Drone
CertificationsFAA Part 107, emergency response trainingFAA Part 107, specialized rescue operation training
Work EnvironmentEmergency scenes, urban and rural areasDisaster zones, wilderness, remote locations
Employer & IndustryPublic safety agencies, police, fire departmentsRescue organizations, disaster relief agencies

Both First Responder Drones and Search and Rescue Drones are used in emergency situations, often requiring similar certifications and operating in challenging environments. However, First Responder Drones primarily assist police and fire services in urban or accident scenes, while Search and Rescue Drones focus on locating missing persons in remote or disaster-stricken areas. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right drone for specific emergency response needs.

How much do police drone operators make?

Police drone operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and department size. Many roles require knowledge of drone operation, FAA certifications, and familiarity with law enforcement procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Responder Drone Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder Drone Operator, you need a solid understanding of drone piloting, emergency response protocols, and typically an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight software, mapping tools, and real-time video transmission systems is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with emergency teams. These abilities enable the rapid, safe, and accurate deployment of drones to support emergency operations and save lives.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs for first responder drones typically involve specialized roles such as search and rescue coordinator, disaster response manager, or law enforcement surveillance operator, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These positions can offer salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on the level of responsibility, location, and expertise.
More about First Responder Drone jobs
What cities are hiring for First Responder Drone jobs? Cities with the most First Responder Drone job openings:
What states have the most First Responder Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for First Responder Drone jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Responder Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Responder Drone jobs are:
First Responder Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Responder Drone job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,166 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
UAS Test Pilot: First-Responder Drone Systems

UAS Test Pilot: First-Responder Drone Systems

Flock

Atlanta, GA

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Flock in Atlanta is hiring a UAS Test Pilot to advance its Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. The successful candidate will test hardware, pilot drones, and ensure system performance, contributing to public safety. Candidates must reside near Atlanta or be willing to relocate.

Offering a starting salary of $65,000–90,000, along with attractive perks including flexible PTO and fully-paid health benefits, this role is crucial for enhancing cutting-edge technology that saves lives.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply