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Licensed Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation ... Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. * Ability to obtain and maintain site ...

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

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

George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team ... Experience shooting on Sony mirrorless cameras (A7III preferred)FAA Part 107 drone license and ...

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Cox Media Group

Photographer/Videographer - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Obtain training to be a drone operator, including taking the FAA drone pilot license exam. * Ability to work all shifts scheduled, including mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. * Other duties ...

Cox Media Group

Photographer/Videographer - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Obtain training to be a drone operator, including taking the FAA drone pilot license exam. * Ability to work all shifts scheduled, including mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. * Other duties ...

Cox Media Group

Photographer/Videographer - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Obtain training to be a drone operator, including taking the FAA drone pilot license exam. * Ability to work all shifts scheduled, including mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. * Other duties ...

Windrose Staffing

SURVEYOR

Raleigh, NC

Licensed Drone operator, Preferred but not required * Excellent ability to read and comprehend construction plans * Ability to build TIN / BIM maps * Knowledge or Certificate to Operate Drones

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Licensed Drone Operator information

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How much do licensed drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 is a licensed drone operator?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a licensed drone operator?

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.

What are 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.

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.

Are licensed drone operators in demand?

Licensed drone operators are in increasing demand across industries such as construction, agriculture, real estate, and film production. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations, and job opportunities are expected to grow as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

Do licensed drone operators get paid well?

Licensed drone operators can earn competitive wages, especially with experience, specialized skills, and certifications. Pay varies by industry, location, and the complexity of the drone work, with opportunities in fields like aerial photography, surveying, and inspection often offering higher pay.

How to get a job as a licensed drone operator?

To become a licensed drone operator, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding airspace regulations, and having skills in operating various drone models can improve job prospects in industries like photography, surveying, or inspection.
More about Licensed Drone Operator jobs

What states have the most Licensed Drone Operator jobs?

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,970 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Drone Operator

Mariana Minerals

Moab, UT • On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Position Summary
The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of mining operations. This role conducts and supervises continuous drone flight activities for surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards.
This position requires strong technical knowledge of drone systems, mining operations, aviation regulations, and emergency response procedures. Operators must maintain required certifications and be capable of working independently in a safety-sensitive environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Drone Operations
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of drone systems and equipment.
  • Operate and monitor drones in a 24/7 mining environment during day and night shifts.
  • Execute automated and manual flight missions for mapping, surveying, inspections, and site monitoring.
  • Monitor telemetry, battery status, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions to ensure safe operations.
  • Maintain compliance with FAA, MSHA, and company safety and operational requirements.
  • Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.
  • Verify data quality, process mission outputs, and distribute information to stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports and communicate operational findings to management and project teams.
  • Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel.
  • Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic, blasting schedules, and restricted areas.
  • Respond to equipment malfunctions, flight deviations, and emergency situations.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.
  • Coordinate repairs with vendors and technical support teams and maintain parts and supply inventories.
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.

Required Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific mining and safety certifications.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred.
  • Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.
  • Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.
  • Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.
  • Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
  • Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.
  • Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Strong commitment to safety.
  • Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.
  • Ability to remain alert and focused during extended monitoring periods.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to walk on uneven terrain and active mining sites.
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
  • Ability to maintain visual observation of aircraft during flight operations when required.

Work Environment
  • Active surface or underground mining operations.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.
  • Rotating 24/7 shift coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with autonomous drone operations.
  • MSHA training or mining industry experience.
  • GIS, surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR experience.
  • Experience managing multiple simultaneous drone missions.
  • Advanced drone certifications or manufacturer-specific training.
Our culture is built on three principles:
Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.

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