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Local Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 21, 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 Pilot

Drone Pilot

Quanta Services

Midland, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Quanta Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

NorthStar Energy Services, a Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement, construction and support services to the chemical, petrochemical, pipeline, oil & gas, bulk storage and terminal industries throughout the country. We offer individual project services as well as turnkey EPC project implementation.

NorthStar possesses the skills and expertise to self-perform the design and installation of civil, structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation systems throughout a broad array of industrial applications.

Joining our team means being part of an organization that values drive and inclusion. We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique contributions. We're at the forefront of powering modern life. Discover how your skills and dedication can make a real difference to us.


NorthStar Energy Services is seeking a Drone Pilot & Project Documentation Specialist to support data center construction projects throughout West Texas and surrounding regions.

This role is responsible for capturing aerial imagery and video to document project progress, support client reporting, and provide visual insight into ongoing construction activities. The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate with project teams, and maintain organized project documentation throughout the construction lifecycle.


  • Travel to active data center construction sites to capture aerial photography and video of project progress
  • Operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA regulations and company policies
  • Document construction milestones, site conditions, equipment installation, and project progress for internal and client reporting
  • Coordinate with project managers, construction managers, and field leadership to schedule site visits and capture key project activities
  • Organize, edit, and maintain photo and video files in accordance with company documentation standards
  • Develop recurring progress reports and visual project updates for clients and leadership teams
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections and maintain drone equipment in safe operating condition
  • Maintain flight logs, airspace authorizations, and required FAA documentation
  • Support special project documentation needs, marketing initiatives, and project closeout activities as requested

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
  • Experience operating drones in construction, industrial, infrastructure, or commercial environments preferred
  • Strong photography and videography skills
  • Experience organizing and managing large volumes of digital project documentation
  • Ability to work independently and manage travel across multiple project locations
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based file management platforms
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout West Texas and other project locations as required
  • Experience with DJI Enterprise platforms or similar commercial drone systems
  • Experience with drone mapping, orthomosaic imagery, or photogrammetry softwar
  • Basic video editing and content creation skills

As a Quanta Services employee, we offer a wide range of benefits to fit your needs.

  • 401(k) with immediate matching and vesting
  • Fully comprehensive benefits packages; Medical, Dental, Vision
    • Your choice of PPO, HSA, FSA
  • Short term and long term benefits
  • Employee discounts on consumer goods

#LI-GR1


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.

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