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Local Drone Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Monday-Friday, 12a-8a Travel: ~10 percent ... Stay current on federal, state, and local UAS regulations * Ensure all operations meet compliance ...

STI

Aviation Technical Specialist I

Nashville, TN · On-site

... Drone Symposium" for all state employees, local government staff, consultants and vendors; § Assist with the TDOT drone quarterly meetings; § Coordinate other training and informational events ...

Advoc8

Memphis Promotional Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

... of drone delivery services within their community. We will participate in community engagements with local retailers, food delivery service providers and local events, offering residents the ...

Advoc8

Memphis Market Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

... of drone delivery services within their community. We will participate in community engagements with local retailers, food delivery service providers and local events. Offering residents the ...

Crucible ETN

Surveyor

Strawberry Plains, TN · On-site

Fly autonomous drone underground to pick up advance of bulk stope areas and to verify legacy areas ... Employee discounts for local attractions * Annual company performance bonus (As earned based on ...

SpaceX

Manager, Security - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

Participate in local, state, and federal working or advisory groups to stay updated on security ... Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 Drone license * Ability to pass Air Force and ...

SpaceX

Sr. Manager, Security - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

Participate in local, state, and federal working or advisory groups to stay updated on security ... Must be able to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 Drone license * Ability to pass Air Force ...

STI

Aviation Technical Specialist I

Nashville, TN · On-site

... local government officials, and citizens; * Required to obtain, after gaining employment within a required timeframe, a UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) FAA Part 107 Drone License to fly on behalf of ...

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All JobsLocal Drone JobsLocal Drone Jobs in Tennessee

Local Drone information

See Tennessee salary details

$29

$66

$91

How much do local drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for local drone in Tennessee is $66.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $82.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local drone?

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 does a local drone operator do?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator?

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 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 do I get a job flying drones?

To get a job flying drones, you should obtain a remote pilot certificate 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 prefer candidates with technical knowledge of drone maintenance and relevant certifications or training programs.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Drone jobs in Tennessee?

For Local Drone jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Drone jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Drone jobs in Tennessee are:

Local Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Drone job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,767 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN • On-site

FOCUSPOINT
Business Management Consulting • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about FOCUSPOINTexternal

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Drone Operator (Swing Shift)
Location: Brentwood, TN
Employment Type: Full Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client

Position Overview

FocusPoint is partnering with a forward‑thinking organization seeking an experienced Drone Operator to support advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations across multiple facilities. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional who thrives in a technology‑driven environment and is motivated by improving safety, operational efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. The position operates on a swing shift schedule and requires periodic travel to client sites.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Flight Operations

  • Lead and support mission planning, including developing use cases, flight plans, and operational checklists.
  • Conduct routine and specialized drone flights, including BVLOS operations where permitted.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment to support time‑sensitive or emergency response needs.
  • Identify opportunities to expand the use of drone technology to enhance safety, productivity, and cost‑effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Stay current on all federal, state, and local UAS regulations.
  • Ensure all flight operations meet applicable compliance, documentation, and reporting standards.

Safety & Risk Management

  • Implement and uphold safety protocols for all drone operations.
  • Conduct ongoing risk assessments and maintain incident reporting procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety and operational discipline within the drone program.

Data Acquisition & Analysis

  • Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced drone platforms.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and analysts to extract insights from collected data.
  • Manage the delivery of reports and ensure accuracy and completeness of all outputs.

Team Communication & Leadership

  • Maintain operational awareness through consistent communication and updates.
  • Support a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross‑team collaboration.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of experience in a related industry.
  • Demonstrated experience operating drones in complex or industrial environments.
  • Strong understanding of UAS technology, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Experience with mission planning, data collection, and technology implementation.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.

Core Values & Competencies

The ideal candidate embodies:

  • Safety & Discipline — Commitment to safe operations and procedural excellence.
  • Accountability — Ownership of work and high performance standards.
  • Integrity & Respect — Transparent communication and ethical decision‑making.
  • Growth Mindset — Continuous improvement and openness to innovation.
  • Curiosity — Willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new solutions.

Work Environment

  • Shift: Swing shift (evening hours, Monday–Friday).
  • Travel: Approximately 10% to client sites.
  • Environment: Field operations combined with office‑based data processing and planning.

Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.

How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.

About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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