2

Licensed Remote Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ...

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Nashville ...

New

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Nashville ...

New

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ...

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ...

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Fairbanks ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Miami ATCT ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Memphis ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Miami ATCT ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the LaGuardia ...

New

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Atlanta ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Fairbanks ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Atlanta ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Licensed Remote Drone Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do licensed remote drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for licensed remote 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.

What is a licensed remote drone pilot?

A Licensed Remote Drone Pilot is a professional who operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for commercial or governmental purposes. To become licensed, individuals must pass an exam and obtain certification—typically a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Licensed drone pilots are authorized to conduct tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, and mapping while adhering to aviation regulations. Their work is vital across industries like real estate, agriculture, construction, and emergency response. The license ensures that pilots understand airspace rules, safety protocols, and operational procedures.

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

To thrive as a Licensed Remote Drone Pilot, you need strong knowledge of FAA regulations, piloting skills, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, GPS navigation, and aerial imaging tools is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations for diverse applications like surveying, real estate, and inspections.

What are some common challenges faced by licensed remote drone pilots when operating in diverse environments?

Licensed remote drone pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating changing weather conditions, ensuring compliance with local airspace regulations, and maintaining clear lines of communication with clients or team members remotely. Adapting to new environments may require quick problem-solving, especially when dealing with unexpected obstacles or signal interference. Staying updated on regulatory changes and maintaining a reliable workflow for equipment checks are also essential to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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

AspectLicensed Remote Drone PilotCommercial Drone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften the same FAA Part 107 certification, but may also include additional company-specific training
Work EnvironmentRemote, often office-based or on-site for drone operationsVaries from remote to on-site, depending on project
Industry UsageLegal certification required for commercial flightsGeneral term for anyone operating drones commercially, may not always imply certification

The Licensed Remote Drone Pilot is a certified professional authorized to operate drones commercially under FAA regulations, while a Commercial Drone Operator may refer broadly to anyone performing drone work, sometimes without certification. The key difference lies in the certification requirement and legal authorization for commercial flights.

More about Licensed Remote Drone Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Licensed Remote Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Licensed Remote Drone Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Licensed Remote Drone Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Licensed Remote Drone Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Licensed Remote Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Kermit, TX • Remote

Arch Aerial LLC
Library and Information Services • 1 - 10 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in a Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) role to assist and execute drone-based data collection missions focused on aerial mapping data, leak detection data, and other hyper-spectral payload data, primarily on Arch Aerial's customers' energy assets in West Texas and New Mexico. Travel will be required from time to time.

The candidate should expect a majority of in-field work operating unmanned aerial systems. In-field work will be in industrial applications with West Texas (hot) conditions in the summer, and West Texas (cold) conditions in the winter, which are physically demanding.

This is an entry level position with immediate opportunities for training, however previous experience with the DJI M300/M350 specifically, and DJI aircraft in general, are a huge advantage to a candidate. Those with previous experience using leak detection equipment for methane scouting are also highly encouraged to apply.

Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems field are appropriate candidates, however skills and requirements are listed further below, and preference will be given to those with the skills listed as primary and secondary traits. Integrity and organizational skills are highly valued (more so than a specific educational degree). This is a full-time position.

FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) will be responsible for:

Primary Duties

  • Assisting (the Operations Manager, Western Region) with the daily collection of drone-based aerial mapping (visible spectrum), drone-based aerial leak detection (methane laser), and drone-based aerial hyper-spectral data (OGI and other payloads).
  • Conducting UAS (drone) operations at construction sites, pipeline right of ways, pump stations, refineries, well pads, and other facilities.
  • Daily and monthly maintenance of drone and ground based equipment, and vehicles.
  • Assisting with daily compiling of inspection reports.
  • Assisting Jr. Data Technicians or Jr. UAS Pilots in the same region. These Jr. Data Technicians and Jr. UAS Pilots will assist both the West Texas region, but also overflow for data from other regions in times of high demand.
  • Assisting with creation, measurement, and delivery any additional reporting.
  • The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) applying for this position will also be required from time to time, to assist with daily data delivery for overflow data collected at other regions of the company's operational footprint.
  • Driving to and on Arch Aerial's customers' assets on relevant projects.
  • Assist with Arch Aerial LLC data management initiatives for current work and archival strategies.
  • Being a constant ambassador and sales-minded representative of the company when interacting with peers, other operators, or other service companies in the field.
  • Being a safety-minded operator that protects their own individual safety and the integrity of the equipment they are operating.

Requirements

Primary Requirements:

  • Adobe Acrobat Proficiency
  • Dropbox Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Windows and Mac OS Proficiency
  • Safety-Minded Attitude
  • Ability and willingness to travel beyond West Texas and NM from time to time.

Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)

  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement (current)

Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)

  • DJI M300 Piloting Experience
  • OGI Certification
  • TWIC Card (current)
  • Thermographer I Certification
  • Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
  • Adobe Premiere Proficiency
  • Adobe After Effects Proficiency
  • Ground Photography Proficiency

The ideal candidate will also possess the following character traits:

  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Self - starter willing to develop and suggest improvements to process and method to managers when they observe such opportunities.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to create materials that communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively.

Training Opportunities

  • Although candidates with the Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train, and test for the Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement if not already held.
  • Although candidates with DJI M300 series experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M300 series experience if not already held.
  • OQ Certification.
  • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
  • Cloud data management.
  • Photogrammetry.
  • LiDAR

Benefits

Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company with the required amount of time prior to October 1, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Additional details provided upon interview.