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$54.5K

$91.5K

$140K

How much do mission planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission planner in the United States is $91,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Mission Planner typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful mission execution?

Mission Planners play a central role in coordinating efforts between various departments, such as operations, logistics, engineering, and communications. They frequently participate in multidisciplinary meetings to gather input, review mission objectives, and address potential obstacles. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Mission Planners must integrate diverse perspectives and ensure all teams are aligned with the mission plan. This collaborative approach helps identify risks early and facilitates smooth execution, often under tight deadlines or dynamic conditions.

What is the difference between Mission Planner vs Drone Pilot?

AspectMission PlannerDrone Pilot
CredentialsTypically requires UAV-specific certifications and knowledge of flight planning softwareRequires FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent, with piloting skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily desktop-based, planning missions and analyzing dataField-based, operating drones during missions
Industry UsageUsed by UAV operators, surveyors, and researchers for mission planningUsed by licensed pilots for executing drone flights

Mission Planner focuses on creating flight plans and managing UAV missions, often working behind the scenes. Drone Pilots execute these plans in the field, operating drones during missions. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What Is a Mission Planner?

A mission planner helps plan missions for an organization or military entity. Job duties vary, but they may include preparing an autopilot route for aircraft or deciding what vehicle is necessary to complete a mission. Career qualifications often include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in logistics, software skills, and knowledge of FAA regulations. As a mission planner, you need to use vehicle information to make critical decisions in real time.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Mission Planner, high-paying roles typically include senior positions in aerospace, defense, or government agencies, often requiring advanced degrees, security clearances, and extensive experience. These roles may involve strategic planning, project management, or leadership in complex operations and can reach or exceed $300,000 annually. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

What does a mission planner do?

A mission planner designs, develops, and coordinates operational plans for unmanned systems such as drones or spacecraft. They use specialized software to create flight paths, set waypoints, and ensure mission objectives are met safely and efficiently. Strong knowledge of navigation, automation tools, and safety protocols is essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Mission Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in fields such as aerospace engineering, military science, or logistics. Familiarity with mission planning software, GIS mapping tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or military planning courses are commonly required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating complex missions and responding to changing circumstances. These competencies ensure missions are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with organizational objectives.

What job should I get if I love space?

A mission planner is a role that involves designing and coordinating space missions, requiring knowledge of aerospace engineering, navigation, and project management. Careers in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, or satellite operations also align with a passion for space and often require specialized education and technical skills.

What jobs can you do with urban planning?

Urban planners, including mission planners involved in city development projects, can work in roles such as city planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, and land use management. These jobs typically require knowledge of zoning laws, GIS tools, and community engagement, and often involve working with government agencies, consulting firms, or private developers.
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Mission Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mission Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,541 per year, or $44 per hour.
Mission Planner/Scheduler

Mission Planner/Scheduler

CACI International, Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mission Planner/Scheduler
Job Category: Intelligence
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Continental US
Anticipated Posting End: 1/1/2099
The Opportunity:
Join CACI as a SIGINT Mission Planner/Scheduler and work in a high speed resource management position designed to collaborate, coordinate and optimize resource capabilities across multiple missions.
Responsibilities:
  • Ability to provide technical solutions to complex mission management problems is required.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision following established procedures and the ability to determine new solutions to mission situations is necessary.
  • Must be able to interact with multiple customers, both on and off-site.
  • Applicants selected will be subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Performs activities involving the production and execution of Mission Plans, Schedules, and activities associated with operation, tasking, and tuning of mission assets.
  • Develops detailed plans and procedures to provide maximum mission support in areas such as system collection, mission execution, and performance analysis and optimization.
  • Builds schedules based on detailed plans to optimize mission execution

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Typically requires greater than 4 years of application DoD experience.
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • Strong communication skills, highly motivated, and mission/team oriented
  • Ability to communicate effectively with local senior management and remote personnel.
  • Ability to work in a high-stress near-real-time environment and demands foresight and strong technical skills
  • Capable of working with multiple computer software applications simultaneously

Desired:
  • Experience in any or all of the following systems: UNIX, web-based applications, operational chat rooms, SUN and/or Linux workstations, satellites and payload configurations
  • Previous certification in mission management disciplines or SIGINT analysis
  • Prior DoD SIGINT Analyst and Reporting experience's, CTT, CTR, 1N2, 1N4, 35S, 35N or equivalent

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$63,300 - 129,700 USD
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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