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Licensed Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist , you will split your time between operating commercial drones ... Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable ...

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... license is required. Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop ...

This position will be responsible for operating preprogrammed flight paths, as well as independent ... Proof of current Part 107 Drone License, or rather, willing to obtain Part 107 Drone License * High ...

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... license is required. Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Experience operating drones in construction, industrial, infrastructure, or commercial environments ... Valid driver's license with a clean driving record * Ability to travel extensively throughout West ...

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment. * Ability to travel ... Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record. * Ability to pass a background check, drug ...

Showing results 21-40

Licensed Drone Operator information

See salary details

$5

$19

$25

How much do licensed drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.

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.
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:
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, 58% Full Time, 37% 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.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

PARTY CHIEF/SURVEYOR

NEW ~OPEN opportunities for experienced construction surveyors, party chiefs, for heavy civil projects  in the North Carolina Region. Excellent opportunity for growth, salary & benefits packages. Experience levels, locations, and projects vary. Surveyors need to be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, and potentially rugged terrain, and travel may be required. Locations vary; some travel may be needed. 

Must have prior heavy civil site, excavation, and utility survey project experience. Must be able to pass company background checks in accordance with company policy and project requirements. 

Survey Party Chiefs supervise land surveys, plan and assess proposed field survey projects, gather field data using the proper survey equipment, and oversee the project survey team. Their job involves managing equipment logistics, travel-related budgets. They usually perform work on several heavy civil projects, including large sites, excavation, utilities, fills and cuts, bridge work, and centerline layouts.

POSITION:    Surveyor                 LOCATION: North Carolina ( Raleigh and Surrounding Areas)

SALARY:    Based upon survey experience, position, and qualifications 

General Job Duties

  • Provide daily support activities for desktop support, data network, and server management for project survey data
  • Draft topographic, ALTA, and preliminary/final plats for the survey department utilizing Carlson (CADD embed) software
  • Utilizing conventional and GPS equipment along with an office knowledge of survey reduction and data creation utilizing AutoCAD 
  • Perform work on multiple heavy highway/heavy civil site projects that include cuts and fills, centerline layouts, utilities, and large site excavation 
  • Used AutoCAD to design project layout, elevations, cut and fill according to the project's specs and design standards.
  • Gather as-built information on completed projects
  • Strong knowledge and applied skills with current survey practices and techniques
  • Update and improve the manual draft of existing survey drawings using AutoCAD 
  • Correspond with engineering and build teams as needed
  • Other Duties as Assigned and vary depending on position

Job Skills & Qualifications/Education Requirements:

  • Heavy civil construction survey experience Required
  • 2-10 Years of experience of land surveying in the heavy civil industry ( IE, large civil site, utilities, water control projects, large DOT projects, roadway, mass excavation) 
  • Bachelor’s degree in surveying, surveying technology, preferred but not required
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Carlson, Trimble & Topcon, Total Station Robotic Survey Equipment, and Machine GPS (Or similar survey equipment and software)
  • 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
  • Knowledge of geological description principles and methods
  • Knowledge of applicable project specifications
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must be able to work independently and within a team environment
  • Must be detail-oriented, organized, focused, self-motivated, and possess  good work ethic
  • Active Driver's license, Ability to pass company-specific background checks, and potential for other project-specific background checks ( some projects may be Federal, or DOT ) 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone
  • Ability to work and traverse within the varying project scope, varying outside elements, and climate

Windrose Staffing was born from a passion for helping others achieve their career goals and for assisting companies in finding a great match for talent (www.windrosestaffing.com). career companies. 

Windrose Staffing provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. It prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

#DirectHire  #Construction #SURVEYOR  #IND1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME