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Pilot Uav Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Platform Aerospace

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 ...

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

$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 ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV PILOT II-III

Hollywood, MD · On-site

UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME OR CONTRACT TRAVEL REQUIRED: 100% OCONUS CLEARANCE TYPE: SECRET This position may be filled ...

New

Harrison Farms

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop protection products; handling ...

Harrison Farms

$60K/mo

Drone Pilot - Agricultural ApplicationsHarrison Farms in Yuma, AZ is seeking a Drone Pilot to ... Primary responsibilities include safely operating a UAV to apply crop protection products; handling ...

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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 Aug 1, 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.

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.

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.

More about Pilot Uav jobs
What cities are hiring for Pilot Uav jobs? Cities with the most Pilot Uav job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Uav jobs? The most popular types of Pilot Uav jobs are:
What states have the most Pilot Uav jobs? States with the most job openings for Pilot Uav jobs include:
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Pilot Uav jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Uav job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Platform Aerospace

Blackstone, VA • On-site

$30 - $70/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: 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 filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.


JOB SUMMARY:

The UAV Pilot/instructor will support the operation and training of Vanilla UAS. This role will oversee ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions while providing technical support. The Senior UAV Pilot /Instructor will play a key role in mission success and program development through technical expertise and operational excellence.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements
  • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks
  • Remote pilot a UAS, following a specific flight plan or modifying flight plans to meet mission objectives
  • Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational protocols and safety standards.
  • Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) months at a time if needed
  • Conduct flight demonstrations for customers at remote locations
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximize mission readiness
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations as applicable

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL I:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 2-5 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required)
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL II:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 5-7 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
  • 2+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL III:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 7-10 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years.
  • 5+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience.
  • Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.


PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance.

  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred
  • Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations 
  • Vigilant Spirit experience  
  • Quattro FMS experience  
  • Research and development experience  
  • Publication writing experience  
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA  
  • Private Pilot License  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.
  • Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
    • Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling
    • Perceiving differences in wire and indicator light colors
    • Operating hand and power tools
    • Lifting, carrying, and/or moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds
    • Working in confined spaces and around aircraft
    • Ascending and descending ladders or stairs as required


The hourly range for this position is $30.00 to $70.00. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.