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Freelance Part 107 Drone Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CoStar Group

Associate Photographer - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$55K - $69K/yr

Be an experienced Drone Photographer with a FAA Part 107 License/Certification obtained within 30 days of offer. * Strong time management skills and very detailed oriented. * Capability to accurately ...

All JobsPart 107 Drone JobsFreelance Part 107 Drone JobsFreelance Part 107 Drone Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Freelance Part 107 Drone information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$46

$128

How much do freelance part 107 drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance part 107 drone in Raleigh, NC is $46.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance Part 107 drone?

Freelance Part 107 Drone pilots are independent professionals who operate drones for commercial purposes in accordance with the FAA's Part 107 regulations. They typically perform aerial photography, videography, inspections, mapping, or surveying for clients in industries such as real estate, construction, agriculture, and media. To work legally, they must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA-approved Part 107 test. Freelance pilots often manage their own schedules, client relationships, equipment, and business operations. Their flexibility allows them to take on diverse projects and work for multiple clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Part 107 drone operator?

To excel as a Freelance Part 107 Drone Operator, you need a solid understanding of FAA regulations, aerial photography or videography skills, and must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, GPS systems, and editing tools like Adobe Premiere or Lightroom is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective client communication help you stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality, safe, and compliant drone operations tailored to diverse client needs.

What are some common challenges freelance Part 107 drone operators face when working with clients on aerial photography projects?

Freelance Part 107 drone operators often encounter challenges such as managing client expectations regarding flight restrictions, weather conditions, and local airspace regulations. Additionally, coordinating shoot schedules to align with both optimal lighting and legal flight times can be demanding. Operators must also ensure clear communication about deliverables and turnaround times, while maintaining compliance with FAA regulations and obtaining necessary permissions. Building trust and professionalism with clients is key to securing repeat business and referrals.

What is the difference between Freelance Part 107 Drone vs Freelance Aerial Photographer?

AspectFreelance Part 107 DroneFreelance Aerial Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 CertificationNo specific certification required, but may have photography or drone licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-location, often in various weather conditionsOutdoor, on-location, focusing on capturing images from the air
Industry UsageCommercial drone operations, inspections, mappingReal estate, events, landscape photography
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for licensed drone operators for commercial tasksSeeking aerial photography services from professionals

Freelance Part 107 Drones are licensed for commercial drone operations, often used for inspections and mapping. Freelance Aerial Photographers focus on capturing high-quality images from the air without necessarily holding drone-specific certifications. While both work outdoors and may overlap in aerial imagery, their primary skills and certifications differ, catering to distinct client needs.

What jobs can I get with a Freelance Part 107 Drone?

A Freelance Part 107 Drone pilot can work in industries such as real estate photography, construction site monitoring, agricultural surveying, infrastructure inspection, and film or media production. These roles typically require aerial imaging, data collection, and knowledge of drone operation regulations. Opportunities often involve project-based work for clients or companies needing aerial perspectives and data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Freelance Part 107 Drone job openings:

Freelance Part 107 Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Part 107 Drone job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,460 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

FPV Drone Pilot/Instructor

Oak Grove Technologies LLC

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

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.

Location: Multiple Potential U.S. Locations -- (Contingent Upon Contract Award)


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

  • Various U.S. Locations (and potentially OCONUS).

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.