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Freelance Drone Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Drone Contractor information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance drone contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance drone contractor in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Drone Contractor vs Drone Pilot?

AspectFreelance Drone ContractorDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot license
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, project-based, flexible locationsEmployers or clients, various locations, often on-site or remote
Industry UsageMultiple industries including real estate, filmmaking, agriculturePrimarily operating drones for specific tasks in various industries

Both Freelance Drone Contractors and Drone Pilots require FAA Part 107 certification and often work in similar environments. However, Freelance Drone Contractors typically operate independently on multiple projects across industries, while Drone Pilots may work directly for companies or clients on specific assignments. The key difference lies in the contractual and business setup, with Freelance Drone Contractors managing their own business and client relationships.

More about Freelance Drone Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Drone Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Drone Contractor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Contractor jobs? The most popular types of Drone Contractor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Drone Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Drone Contractor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Drone Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Freelance Photographer/Drone Pilot

Kalos Consulting, Inc.

West Chester, PA

$25 - $35/hr

Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job description:

Next Door Photos (“NDP”) is a small business focused on delivering real estate photography, video, aerials, 3D modeling, floor plans, and much more. We are built on a culture of having fun and blessing the communities we serve. We are not only committed to excellence in delivering the best products, but also delivering the best experience to our customers and team members. Please read this all the way to the bottom and provide the information requested with your application.

JOB POSITION:

We are a growing team of professional, reliable, and talented "Media Pros" that represent our brand to our customers and achieve high-quality results in the media we capture. The position has flexible hours and the opportunity to increase your photography and media experience. This fast-paced roles’ earning potential can increase by completing product certification of our entire line and increasing availability for scheduling. Media Pros can capture up to 3-4 properties a day. Each property may take on average between 1-2 hours to capture. Media Pros are hired as independent contractors, paid on a per-service basis (photos, video, floor plans, aerials, etc.) and paid additional compensation for extended travels. Media Pros are responsible for capturing and uploading media, while NDP takes care of the rest!

EXPERIENCE:

We are looking for experienced photographers, videographers and certified part 107 drone pilots. Real Estate photography experience not required. Each Media Pro will be fully trained on all products offered by NDP.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Our goal is to establish a local, close-knit team of media professionals that can be deployed quickly to serve our amazing real estate clients. In addition to having the right equipment, you must:

  • Be able to professionally interact with our clients and homeowners
  • Be able to arrive on time consistently to scheduled shoots in various locations
  • Be able to dress professionally while on the job
  • Be able to upload media before 8PM (day of the shoot)
  • Have a flexible schedule
  • Keep a Google calendar with your availability up to date
  • Drive up to 30% of the workday
  • Follow the NDP shoot flow and standards consistently providing a high-quality product
  • Communicate effectively with clients throughout the shoot
  • Communicate regularly with the Local Owner and clients via email, text message, and phone
  • Be able to study/test to obtain Part 107 certification (to fly a drone commercially)
  • Be able to receive regular feedback/training pertaining to NDP standards of quality and professionalism

EQUIPMENT LIST:

The Media Pro position requires the full equipment list below to complete photography shoots. All other equipment needed for NDPs product offerings will be supplied by the local owner.

  • Digital SLR (or mirrorless) camera and a Wide Angle Lens such as:
  • APS-C (cropped) sensor camera with a 10-24mm Lens OR
  • Full Frame sensor camera with 16-35mm Lens
  • Tripod and ball head attachment
  • High quality smartphone
  • Reliable transportation

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

    Work Location: On the road