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Government Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhotoDrone.com®

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FAA-107 Drone Pilot with equipment

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote

$90/hr

What We Do PhotoDrone.com ® connects residential, commercial, and government clients with skilled FAA-certified drone pilots for a wide range of aerial imaging services, including: * Real estate ...

Veteran-friendly

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

Aiken County Government

GeoServices Analyst

Aiken, SC · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drone pilot in command. It also may participate in scheduling, planning and execution of drone ... Aiken County Government offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health ...

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Government Drone Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do government drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for government 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.

Is there a demand for government drone pilots?

There is growing demand for government drone pilots as agencies expand their use of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, inspection, and emergency response. These roles often require certifications such as Part 107 and proficiency with specific drone technology, with employment opportunities increasing in federal, state, and local agencies.

How much do government drone pilots make?

Government drone pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Higher salaries are often associated with specialized skills, certifications, and operational responsibilities in federal or state agencies.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a government drone pilot?

As a Government Drone Pilot, your daily tasks may include conducting drone flights for data collection, surveillance, mapping, or environmental monitoring, depending on the specific government agency. You’ll be responsible for pre-flight checks, safe operation during missions, data management, and maintaining flight logs according to regulatory requirements. Collaboration with analysts, engineers, or public safety personnel is common to interpret data and plan future missions. The role often requires adaptability, as assignments can vary based on weather, project needs, or emergency situations. This makes for a dynamic and impactful work environment where your contributions directly support public service and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government drone pilot?

To thrive as a Government Drone Pilot, you need strong skills in remote vehicle operation, spatial awareness, and knowledge of aviation regulations, typically supported by a relevant degree or military/aviation background. Certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License and experience with GIS mapping software and advanced drone systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication enhance collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders. These abilities are essential for maintaining operational safety, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance in mission-critical environments.

How much do government drone pilots earn?

Government drone pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of security clearance. Salaries can vary based on agency, responsibilities, and whether the role requires specialized certifications or technical skills such as operating advanced UAV systems.

What is a government drone pilot?

A Government Drone Pilot is responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various governmental purposes, such as surveillance, mapping, disaster response, and infrastructure inspection. They ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety protocols while executing flight missions. Depending on the agency, they may also analyze aerial data, conduct search and rescue operations, or assist law enforcement. The role requires certification, technical skills, and knowledge of drone laws.

More about Government Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Government Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Government Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
Government Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

FAA-107 Drone Pilot with equipment

PhotoDrone.com®

Fort Lauderdale, FL • Remote

Veteran-friendly

$90/hr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot – Independent Contractor

Join the Founding Team at PhotoDrone.com®

Location: South Florida (Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and surrounding areas)

Are you an experienced FAA Part 107-certified drone pilot looking to grow your business while working with an exciting new company?

PhotoDrone.com® is launching in South Florida with the vision of becoming one of America's premier providers of professional drone photography services. We are building a network of highly qualified independent drone pilots who share our commitment to professionalism, safety, and outstanding customer service.

This is an opportunity to become one of our founding pilots as we launch locally and expand throughout Florida and eventually nationwide.

What We Do

PhotoDrone.com® connects residential, commercial, and government clients with skilled FAA-certified drone pilots for a wide range of aerial imaging services, including:

  • Real estate photography
  • Commercial properties
  • Construction progress documentation
  • Roofing and insurance inspections
  • Marketing and promotional photography
  • Accident scene documentation
  • Special events
  • Additional commercial aerial imaging services

Pilot Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Own professional drone equipment capable of producing high-quality photo and video content.
  • Have reliable transportation.
  • Maintain current drone liability insurance.
  • Be legally authorized to work as an independent contractor.
  • Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Deliver high-quality work on schedule.
  • Be dependable, professional, and safety-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with DJI or equivalent commercial drone platforms.
  • Professional photography and editing experience.
  • FAA LAANC knowledge and airspace experience.
  • Ability to travel within South Florida as assignments require.

Why Join PhotoDrone.com®?

  • Receive qualified customer leads.
  • Focus on flying while we handle marketing, scheduling, customer service, and business support.
  • Flexible schedule—you choose the assignments you accept.
  • Become part of a company with a vision for national expansion.
  • Opportunity to grow with the company from its earliest stages.

If you're a motivated FAA-certified drone pilot who wants to help build the next nationally recognized drone photography brand, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and become one of the founding pilots of PhotoDrone.com® in South Florida.

Company Description

About PhotoDrone.com®

PhotoDrone.com® is an innovative South Florida startup building a nationwide marketplace for professional drone photography. Using automation, artificial intelligence, and a network of FAA Part 107-certified drone pilots, we're making aerial imaging faster, more accessible, and more affordable for businesses and consumers. We serve industries including real estate, construction, insurance, legal, hospitality, and commercial marketing. As an early team member, you'll help shape our operations, technology, and culture while working directly with experienced business leaders. If you're entrepreneurial, enjoy solving problems, and want to help build a national brand from the ground up, we'd love to meet you.