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Licensed Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a ... FAA Part 107 drone license and practical drone experience * Ability to set up and operate lighting ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a ... FAA Part 107 drone license and practical drone experience * Ability to set up and operate lighting ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (71090)

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Valid Driver's license is preferred. * Experience in operating drones. Education and Experience: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Experience in drone operation. Physical Requirements: * Ability ...

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel ... Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License. * Preference will be given to candidates ...

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Licensed Drone Operator information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do licensed drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for licensed drone operator in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs can you do with a drone license?

A licensed drone operator can work in various industries such as aerial photography, videography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, and real estate. These roles often require knowledge of drone operation, safety regulations, and sometimes specialized equipment or software.

What are Licensed Drone Operators?

Licensed Drone Operators are professionals who have obtained the necessary certifications to legally operate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for commercial purposes. They are trained to handle drones safely and must comply with federal and local aviation regulations. Their work can include aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and mapping services for industries like real estate, agriculture, and construction. To become licensed, operators usually need to pass an exam and adhere to ongoing safety and operational standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Licensed Drone Operators during field operations?

Licensed Drone Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict airspace regulations, and potential equipment malfunctions during field operations. Navigating these challenges requires strong situational awareness, thorough pre-flight planning, and up-to-date knowledge of local aviation laws. Additionally, operators must coordinate closely with team members and clients to ensure data accuracy and safety throughout the mission. Developing problem-solving skills and maintaining communication are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring successful project outcomes.

Is it worth getting a drone pilot license?

For a licensed drone operator, obtaining a drone pilot license is valuable as it demonstrates compliance with regulations, enhances credibility, and can expand job opportunities in industries like aerial photography, surveying, and inspection. Licensing often requires passing a knowledge test and understanding airspace rules, which are essential skills for professional drone work.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for licensed drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, real estate, and media production. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations, and job opportunities are increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What is the difference between Licensed Drone Operator vs Commercial Drone Pilot?

AspectLicensed Drone OperatorCommercial Drone Pilot
CertificationsRequires FAA Part 107 certificationRequires FAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including photography, surveying, inspectionPrimarily commercial projects like real estate, construction, agriculture
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across multiple sectors for aerial tasksFocused on commercial applications for clients
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched together due to certification overlapRelated but more specific to commercial use cases

The main difference is that a Licensed Drone Operator is a general term for anyone certified to operate drones commercially, while a Commercial Drone Pilot emphasizes the professional application in specific industries. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve similar skills, but the term 'Commercial Drone Pilot' often refers to those working directly on client projects for commercial purposes.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically involve specialized roles such as aerial cinematography, infrastructure inspection, or surveying for large projects, often requiring advanced skills and certifications. These positions can pay several thousand dollars per project or offer high hourly rates, especially for experienced operators working in industries like energy, construction, or film production.

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

To thrive as a Licensed Drone Operator, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, piloting skills, and often a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with drone control software, mapping tools, and GPS navigation systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safety and efficiency during operations. These competencies are crucial for adhering to legal requirements, maintaining operational safety, and delivering quality results in various drone applications.
More about Licensed Drone Operator jobs
What states have the most Licensed Drone Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Licensed Drone Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Licensed Drone Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Licensed Drone Operator jobs are:
Licensed Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Licensed Drone Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 65% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,970 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Drone Operator

AMERICAN NATIONAL SKYLINE SERVICES LLC

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning

Work Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights available)
  • Morning Shift from 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Job Description:

Drone Pilot Operators use advanced drone technology to perform window cleaning and exterior surface maintenance for buildings. They are responsible for operating drones equipped with cleaning tools (such as brushes, sponges, or high-pressure washers) to apply cleaning solutions like soapy water or sanitizers. Their work focuses on safely and effectively maintaining building exteriors, especially in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Use drone technology to reach outside windows up to 500 feet for cleaning.
  • Operate drones to hold and maneuver up to 60’ of watered extension poles (~25 pounds) to clean third and fourth floor windows from the ground.
  • Setup and operate drones to reach second and third story windows.
  • Work with and/or transport mildly abrasive chemically based cleaning solutions such as chlorine and ammonia.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Must be Proficient in LAANC (AIRMAP OR KITTYHAWK), Airspace Authorizations (FAA DRONE ZONE)
  • Must have an active FAA part 107 UAV license.
  • Must have reliable transportation (local travel required)
  • Good communication and customer services skills
  • Availability, if needed, for overtime and occasional weekend or night work
  • Valid Driver’s license is preferred.
  • Experience in operating drones.

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience in drone operation.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to operate drone controls for up to two hours at a time.
  • Ability to work outside in all seasons.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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