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Overnight Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bayer CropScience Limited

Field Associate II

Wichita, KS · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Work extended hours during peak seasons, including non‑traditional day‑time hours and overnight ... Ability to obtain a Drone Pilot's License (FAA Part107 Certification). PHYSICAL DEMANDS * Safe ...

DBI Consultants

Project Manager II

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

... Drone Pilot & Certified Thermographer (ITC), Registered Roof Consultant (RRC), Registered ... During busy periods, this may require evening, overnight, and/or weekend travel and work. Our teams ...

DBI Consultants

Project Manager II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

... Drone Pilot & Certified Thermographer (ITC), Registered Roof Consultant (RRC), Registered ... During busy periods, this may require evening, overnight, and/or weekend travel and work. Our teams ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator

Amarillo, TX · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Experience piloting drones or manned aircraft * Demonstrated aeronautical decision making and ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution - Acting as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline ...

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Overnight Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do overnight drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight drone pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an overnight drone pilot do?

An Overnight Drone Pilot operates drones during nighttime hours to conduct tasks such as aerial surveillance, inspections, delivery, or data collection. These professionals often work for industries like security, logistics, agriculture, or emergency services that require drone operations outside of regular business hours. Their responsibilities include planning flight paths, monitoring weather conditions, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Working overnight may also require special certifications for night flying and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in low-light conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight drone pilot?

To thrive as an Overnight Drone Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and night-vision technology is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills, especially when coordinating with teams or responding to unexpected situations at night. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations during overnight missions, where visibility and safety risks are heightened.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight drone pilots and how can they be addressed?

Overnight drone pilots often encounter unique challenges such as limited visibility, increased fatigue, and stricter airspace regulations. To manage these, pilots typically rely on advanced night-vision equipment and thorough pre-flight checks to ensure safe operations in low-light conditions. Establishing a robust sleep schedule and using fatigue management strategies is essential for maintaining focus during late hours. Additionally, strong communication with team members and adherence to regulatory guidelines help mitigate risks associated with night-time drone operations.

What is the difference between Overnight Drone Pilot vs Aerial Photographer?

AspectOvernight Drone PilotAerial Photographer
CredentialsFAA drone license, flight trainingPhotography skills, camera equipment knowledge
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote locations, night flightsOutdoor, scenic locations, daylight or sunset shoots
Industry UsageConstruction, real estate, inspectionsTourism, marketing, art projects

While both roles involve aerial work, Overnight Drone Pilots focus on night-time drone operations often for inspections or surveys, requiring specific certifications. Aerial Photographers primarily capture images during daylight or sunset, emphasizing photography skills. The roles differ in work environment and industry applications, but both require knowledge of aerial equipment and safety protocols.

How much do overnight drone pilots make per day?

Overnight drone pilots typically earn between $150 and $300 per day, depending on the complexity of the job, location, and experience. They often work on short-term projects or hourly contracts, with pay rates varying based on the industry and required certifications such as FAA drone licenses.

Is there a big demand for overnight drone pilots?

There is growing demand for overnight drone pilots in industries such as logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, especially as companies seek 24/7 operations. Skills in night flying, safety regulations, and relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this niche market.
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Overnight Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Construction (Aviation) Engineer / Manager - Airfield Infrastructure

TKDA

Bloomington, MN

$73K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Do you prefer being out in the field instead of behind a desk? Do you enjoy managing construction activities, solving problems in real time, and seeing aviation infrastructure projects come to life? If so, join TKDA's Aviation team as a Construction Engineer supporting airport construction projects throughout Minnesota and across the country.
 
As a member of our multi-disciplined team, you will work alongside civil engineering, electrical engineering, and planning professionals to provide services to general aviation and commercial airports across the country. As shown by our extensive portfolio, you will contribute to the rehabilitation and construction of runways, taxiways, aprons, utilities, roadways, NAVAIDS, fueling facilities, and security enhancements, which will provide you with a variety of challenging project opportunities. This position is focused on aviation construction management and field engineering. Candidates should have education or experience related to construction engineering, construction management, civil engineering, transportation infrastructure, or similar disciplines. 
 
In this position, you will oversee construction operations of various projects at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, general aviation airports throughout greater Minnesota, and at various commercial airports throughout the country for commercial airlines. This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent travel to active airport construction sites throughout Minnesota dn other airport locations around the United States. You will be responsible for ensuring day-to-day construction activities are consistent with the plans and specifications. You will also collaborate with contractors and airport and/or airline representatives to review and provide input on construction issues and inspect activities in accordance with quality standards and code requirements to ensure projects come in on time and under budget with minimal change orders.
 
While on-site, you will serve as an advisor throughout the construction process by attending pre-construction and progress meetings, providing on-site routine technical and safety representation, preparing and presenting status reports, negotiating change orders, identifying issues and providing assistance in resolving construction and design related challenges. You will also be responsible for determining desired/required material specifications and coordinating material testing, conducting surveys, measuring quantities for payment, logging and photographing observation and construction activities, and assisting or providing guidance to construction inspectors. While in the office, you will assist with the development of proposals, estimate project budgets and schedules, and conduct constructability reviews of project plans.
 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related infrastructure-focused discipline.
  • Recent graduate or experienced professional with up to five years of progressive transportation or municipal construction management experience.
  • Experience supporting airport construction, runway rehabilitation, taxiway reconstruction, utility improvements, or other heavy civil infrastructure projects is highly desirable. 
  • Strong working knowledge of construction methods/practices, the preparation and assembly of construction documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret and verify engineering specifications and construction plans in accordance with construction operation activities and requirements.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to participate in and lead discussions during plan reviews, progress meetings, project team meetings, and site observations.
  • Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to travel up to 75% to perform site inspections/observations; overnight travel may be required.
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to work outdoors year-round on active construction sites and in close proximity to active airport operations; ability to work overnight hours on occasion during primary construction season (April – October).
  • Ability to carry up to 50 pounds across rough terrain and stand for extended periods of time to perform observation and inspection responsibilities. 
  • Authorization to work permanently in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. TKDA does not provide employment visa sponsorship or transfers.
Advantageous Qualifications
  • FAA licensed drone pilot.
  • Previous experience conducting engineering, as-built, and topographic surveys for transportation, utility design, or similar infrastructure projects; working knowledge of total stations, global positioning system (GPS) and data collectors.
  • Previous experience processing survey field data to develop background AutoCAD drawings.
  • Valid Construction Site Management, Erosion & Sediment Control, or Concrete Inspection certifications. 
The listed salary range reflects only the starting base pay range for candidates with 0-5 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
 
Note: To be considered for this position and to perform the assigned responsibilities, the selected candidate must complete and pass all background and security requests required by state and/or federal agencies responsible for aviation operations as a condition of employment.

Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
 
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
 
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
 
TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
 
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
 
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
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About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

Social media

Twitter

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