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Local Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Livenation

Drone RPIC

West Valley City, UT

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 ...

Live Events

Drone Pilot

New Castle, PA

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 ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · 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 ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (71090)

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/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 ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

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 ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

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 ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

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 ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

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 ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran ...

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All JobsLocal Drone Jobs

Local Drone information

See salary details

$32

$73

$100

How much do local drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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 navigation, photography, or videography if applicable. Many employers also look for familiarity with specific drone models and software, as well as 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.

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?

The pay for drone pilots varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $15 to $50 per hour. Commercial drone operators with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in sectors like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection services.

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 experience, location, 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.

What drone jobs are in demand?

In-demand drone jobs include aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, and media production, as well as inspection roles for infrastructure, agriculture, and construction. These positions often require knowledge of drone operation, relevant certifications, and the ability to interpret data collected by drones.
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:
Local Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Drone job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Locum Tenens, 59% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Drone Operator

AMERICAN NATIONAL SKYLINE SERVICES LLC

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

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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