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Pilot Uav Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING MANAGER CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT CLEARANCE: SECRET LOCATION: BLACKSTONE, VA This position may be ...

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

UAV test pilot with acillary duties related to UAV system and subsystem assembly, troubleshooting, and repair. * UAV research, development, and testing. Must have Pilot's license and be able to ...

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

CONTRACT UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD CLASSIFICATION: CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 17 TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100% OCONUS CLEARANCE TYPE: SECRET Job ...

Your mission As a UAV Test Pilot at STARK, you are the critical link between digital design and physical reality. Working in lockstep with Flight Test Engineers, you will be responsible for the ...

Qualified and Licensed Pilots need only apply. This position will include up to 90% travel on a two person team, operating UAVs to preform inspections of areial towers. Pilots will be teamed with a ...

Quantum-Systems GmbH is seeking a UAV Test Pilot to ensure quality and reliability of unmanned aerial systems. You will conduct product checks and flight tests, maintaining detailed documentation and ...

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Pilot Uav information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do pilot uav jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot uav 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.

How much do drone show pilots make?

Drone show pilots typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the shows. Skilled pilots who operate advanced drones and hold relevant certifications may command higher wages, especially for large or high-profile events.

What is a UAV pilot's salary?

A UAV pilot's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified pilots with specialized skills in drone operation and navigation tend to earn higher wages, especially in sectors like aerial surveying, filmmaking, and inspection services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a UAV Pilot?

UAV Pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, conducting thorough equipment checks, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements before missions. Their daily work includes operating the UAV during aerial surveys, inspections, or data collection, and monitoring live feeds to ensure precise execution. After each mission, UAV Pilots must log flight data, maintain equipment, and often collaborate with project managers or engineers to interpret results. Many roles also require adapting to changing weather or mission priorities and working as part of a multidisciplinary team, making flexibility and communication important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pilot Uav position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot UAV, you need strong skills in remote piloting, situational awareness, and an understanding of aeronautical regulations, usually supported by a relevant license or certification such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with ground control stations, navigation software, and mission planning tools is essential. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient UAV operations in compliance with industry standards and mission goals.

Do drone pilots make money?

Drone pilots, including UAV operators, can earn varying incomes depending on their experience, certifications, and the industry they work in. Salaries typically range from entry-level rates to higher wages for specialized or commercial work, with opportunities in sectors like agriculture, filmmaking, inspection, and surveying. Many drone pilots work freelance or as part of companies, and income can also depend on the number of projects completed and geographic location.

What is a Pilot UAV job?

A Pilot UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operates drones or remotely piloted aircraft for various missions, including aerial surveillance, mapping, military operations, and commercial applications. They are responsible for flight planning, navigation, monitoring aircraft performance, and complying with safety regulations. UAV pilots often work in defense, agriculture, law enforcement, or disaster response fields.

How much do drone pilots get?

Drone pilots, including UAV pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Commercial drone pilots with certifications and specialized skills can command higher salaries, especially in sectors like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection work.
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UAV Pilot / Instructor

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description Summary

This position serves as both a UAV pilot and part-time instructor supporting flight line and classroom education on an as-needed basis for our UAV Summer Programs and vocational education seminars across Colorado.

Full Consideration date: June 3, 2026

Learn More about the CSU Drone Center here: https://dronecenter.colostate.edu/ Essential Job Duties:
  • Assist in classroom instruction, logistics and program support.

  • Deliver Drone Center curriculum to a wide variety of clients and students pursuant to the CSU and WSCOE mission.

  • Pilot UAV systems in a variety of mission types.

  • Monitor flight line training to ensure operational safety.

  • Represent the Drone Center, WSCOE and CSU at public events and K-12 STEM seminars.

Supervision:

This position does not supervise employees

Conditions of Employment:
  • Pre-employment background check

  • Must be willing to travel across Colorado and Wyoming, approximately 20% of working time.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • FAA Part 107 (current)

  • 2 years experience piloting UAV platforms in a commercial or educational setting.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Any FAA flight or ground instructor credential.

  • Bachelors degree in any discipline

Salary Range$30.00 - $35.00 per hourRequired Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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