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Local Drone Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

San Antonio Spurs

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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 ...

Exyte GmbH

Stay updated on FAA regulations and local UAV laws to ensure compliance. * Work closely with design teams, construction managers, and engineers to understand project goals and deliverables. * Provide ...

Motorola

$62.25 - $81.75/hr

... drone-in-a-box" technology), power delivery, weatherproofing, and local structural or zoning compliance. * Ensure successful system launch and full operational status, taking ultimate responsibility ...

Advoc8

Houston Promotional Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$21 - $29/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 ...

Percepto

UAS Field Technician - Drone Operations

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... industrial drone-in-a-box solution. Our team is made up of software and hardware engineers ... Safely conduct operations, adhering to FAA, other local aviation regulations, OSHA regulations, and ...

Percepto

UAS Field Technician - Drone Operations

Midland, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... industrial drone-in-a-box solution. Our team is made up of software and hardware engineers ... Safely conduct operations, adhering to FAA, other local aviation regulations, OSHA regulations, and ...

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All JobsLocal Drone JobsLocal Drone Jobs in Texas

Local Drone information

See Texas salary details

$30

$68

$94

How much do local drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for local drone in Texas is $68.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.46 and $84.86 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 Texas?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Texas are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Local Drone jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Local Drone job openings:

Local Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Drone job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,442 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

TSMG

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • 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 experience in complex operations.
  • Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS.
  • Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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