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Local Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Observe the drone during preprogrammed flight paths. * As needed, manually control the drone, while ... local law, rule, ordinance or regulation. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal ...

Travel will be mixed, local and outside the local area and overnight. Required * Completion of a recognized drone pilot training program. * Knowledge of FAA regulations and best practices for safe ...

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning Work Schedule: * Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights ... Must have reliable transportation (local travel required) * Good communication and customer ...

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... Stay current on all federal, state, and local UAS regulations. * Ensure all flight operations meet ...

Drone Operator (71452)

Charlotte, NC

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning Work Schedule: * Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights ... Must have reliable transportation (local travel required) * Good communication and customer ...

This position supports the creation of commercials, local news features, branded content, and ... FAA Part 107 drone license and practical drone experience * Ability to set up and operate lighting ...

Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements. * Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting ...

Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements. * Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting ...

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning Work Schedule: * Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights ... Must have reliable transportation (local travel required) * Good communication and customer ...

This position supports the creation of commercials, local news features, branded content, and ... FAA Part 107 drone license and practical drone experience * Ability to set up and operate lighting ...

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Local Drone information

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$32

$73

$100

How much do local drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for local drone in the United States is $73.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $91.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get a job flying drones?

To get a job flying drones, you should obtain a drone pilot certification from the FAA or relevant authority, gain experience with drone operation and safety protocols, and develop skills in aerial photography, videography, or surveying. Many employers also look for familiarity with specific drone models and relevant software, along with a clean driving record and the ability to work outdoors or in various environments.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a remote pilot certification such as the FAA Part 107 license. Familiarity with drone flight control systems, mapping software, and camera equipment is essential for effective operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication help operators adapt to various environments and client needs. These skills ensure legal compliance, safety, and high-quality results in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection tasks.

Can you get drone jobs with no experience?

Drone jobs often require some level of experience or training, but entry-level positions may be available for beginners willing to learn. Gaining basic knowledge of drone operation, safety regulations, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve chances of securing such roles. Practical skills and familiarity with drone equipment are valuable for employment in this field.

What types of projects or tasks can a Local Drone Operator expect to handle on a regular basis?

As a Local Drone Operator, you can expect to work on a variety of projects including aerial photography for real estate, infrastructure inspections, agricultural monitoring, and event coverage. Your daily tasks often involve planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight equipment checks, capturing high-quality footage or data, and processing or delivering results to clients. Collaboration with team members such as data analysts, project managers, or marketing professionals is common, depending on the project's scope. Adapting to different environments and adhering to local regulations are key aspects of the role.

How much do people get paid to fly drones?

Drone operators, including those working as part of a job or freelance, typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Commercial drone pilots with certifications and specialized skills may command higher rates, especially for aerial photography, surveying, or inspection work.

What is the difference between Local Drone vs Local Photographer?

AspectLocal DroneLocal Photographer
Required CredentialsDrone pilot certification, FAA Part 107 licensePhotography experience, portfolio, possibly certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial filming, on-location shootsIndoor/outdoor, studio or on-site photography
Industry UsageReal estate, construction, events, inspectionsEvents, portraits, commercial, artistic projects
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve visual content creation, Local Drone operators focus on aerial footage using drones and require specific certifications. Local Photographers typically work with traditional cameras and may not need drone licenses. The work environments and industry applications differ, but both are essential for visual media services.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has hired drone pilots for delivery and inventory tasks, with reported pay rates typically ranging from $15 to $25 per hour. Compensation can vary based on location, experience, and the specific responsibilities of the role, often requiring certification and knowledge of drone operation and safety protocols.

What are local drones and what do they do?

Local drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated within a specific geographical area, often for purposes like aerial photography, surveying, inspections, search and rescue, and delivery services. They are used by businesses, government agencies, and hobbyists to perform tasks that are difficult, dangerous, or time-consuming for humans. Local drone operators are typically responsible for piloting the drone, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and maintaining the equipment. The increasing accessibility and affordability of drones have expanded their use across various industries and communities.
More about Local Drone jobs
What cities are hiring for Local Drone jobs? Cities with the most Local Drone job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs? The most popular types of Drone jobs are:
What states have the most Local Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for Local Drone jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Local Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Local Drone jobs are:
Infographic showing various Local Drone job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,892 per year, or $73.5 per hour.
Remote Aviation Analyst

Remote Aviation Analyst

ClancyJG International

Washington, DC โ€ข Remote

$31.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Research and respond to drone-related inquiries from internal and external FAA stakeholders via web contact form and phone.

  • Triage and route questions regarding Part 107 waivers, airspace authorizations, drone registration, remote pilot certification, and recurrent training.

  • Write up decisions, escalations, and recurring question patterns to support policy and guidance updates.


Job description

Answer drone-related inquiries from internal and external FAA stakeholders

Full-time contract role supporting the FAA's UAS Support Center, the team behind web contact form at https://uas-support.faa.gov, and 844-FLY-MY-UA. Inquiries come from inside the FAA across multiple lines of business, from drone operators and public safety agencies, and from media, industry, and everyday fliers trying to figure out what the rules allow.

If you already hold an active Public Trust investigation and current FAA work authorization, say so up front. Those candidates get reviewed first and can typically start weeks ahead of the rest of the field.

The role

The UAS Support Center is the FAA's front door for anything drone-related, internally and externally. A Part 107 pilot wants to know if a waiver covers their planned operation. Another FAA office needs a regulatory read before they respond to a stakeholder. A sheriff's office needs help getting a COA moving. A local TV station wants to fly over a fire. Somebody saw a drone near the approach end of a runway and doesn't know who to call.

You'll be the person who works that inquiry. You'll know the rule, or know where to find the answer when the rule by itself doesn't settle it, and you'll write it back in plain English. Most of the day is research and writing. There are no canned responses here. Every answer is individually tailored to the specific question in front of you.

In a typical week:

  • Work inquiries coming into the web contact form, researching each one and writing a response tailored to the facts
  • Support internal FAA customers across lines of business with regulatory questions and coordinated responses
  • Answer inbound calls to the UAS Support Center line and follow up with outbound calls when an email needs a conversation
  • Triage and route questions across Part 107 waivers, airspace authorizations (LAANC and FAADroneZone), drone registration, remote pilot certification, and recurrent training
  • Walk public safety agencies, federal departments, and private operators through Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) and Section 44807 exemption requirements
  • Handle questions on Part 91 public aircraft operations, state and local drone regulations, stadium TFRs, NOTAM requirements, and drone sighting reports
  • Write up decisions, escalations, and recurring question patterns so team leads can roll them into policy and guidance updates
  • Flag trends from the inbox and phone queue that point to regulatory gaps or places where public guidance is falling short
  • Support working groups with the technical write-ups, SOP updates, and FAQ revisions that come out of what callers are asking

You'll work from the FAA Safety Management System, 14 CFR Part 107 and Part 91, and current UAS technology. A lot of the inquiries don't have a clean yes or no, and you won't be reaching for a script. You'll need to be comfortable with that.

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 5 years of direct aviation experience in flight operations. Degree can be waived with 10+ years of relevant experience
  • Working knowledge of UAS systems, capabilities, and current technologies
  • Comfortable on the phones and in a busy inbox with a mixed audience: internal FAA stakeholders, recreational fliers, commercial operators, government agencies, and media
  • Clear written communication. Your emails go out under the FAA's name
Preferred (priority consideration)
  • Active Public Trust investigation
  • Current authorization to work for the FAA
  • UAS regulatory experience
  • Commercial pilot certificate, ATP, or Aircraft Dispatcher certificate
  • Prior FAA AVS, AFS, or UAS Integration Office experience
  • Prior call-center, help-desk, or constituent-services experience in a regulated environment
Why this role

Fully remote, full-time. No relocation, no commute.

What you tell a caller or write back to an inquiry matters. An unclear answer keeps a legitimate operator grounded, or worse, sends them up in a way that creates a real safety problem.

If you already hold a current Public Trust and FAA authorization, onboarding typically runs in weeks rather than the typical month or more associated with a new background investigation.