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Professional Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations. * Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS. * Proven track ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations. * Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS. * Proven track ...

JDK Drones

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60 - $95/hr

As a Drone Pilot Inspection Specialist, you will play a key role in assessing property damage by ... Interact professionally with insureds, explaining inspection processes.Use company platforms (e.g ...

JDK Drones

$60 - $95/hr

As a Drone Pilot Inspection Specialist, you will play a key role in assessing property damage by ... Interact professionally with insureds, explaining inspection processes.Use company platforms (e.g ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot Location: Middle TN Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on experience Hiring ... This role is ideal for an experienced UAS professional who thrives in complex environments where ...

Kiewit Corporation

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

... Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ... Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Monday-Friday, 12a-8a Travel: ~10 percent ... This is a hands‑on, technology‑driven role ideal for professionals who excel in mission ...

Tex-Air Drone

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA ...

FulcrumAir Inc

Drone Pilot & Robot Operator

Wellington, CO · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

We also provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement. If you are a drone pilot and robotic operator who is ready to hit the road and take on exciting new challenges, we ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - Weekend Shift

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot Location: Middle TN Worksite: In office Travel: ~10 percent Compensation: Based on ... This role is ideal for an experienced UAS professional who thrives in complex environments where ...

Fulcrum Air

Drone Pilot & Robot Operator

Wellington, CO · On-site

We also provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement. If you are a drone pilot and robotic operator who is ready to hit the road and take on exciting new challenges, we ...

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY · On-site

$200 - $400/day

... professionals with real commercial UAS opportunities across our growing fleet ecosystem. As both a drone fleet operator and a workforce partner, Alpha Drones supports client projects across ...

The Talmadge Group

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot - GSDF 911th Support BN

Ellenwood, GA · On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

Drone Pilot - 911th Support Battalion Volunteer Military Service | Georgia Georgia State Defense ... Participate in additional GSDF UAS training and professional development Qualifications All 911th ...

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Professional Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do professional drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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 is a professional drone pilot?

Professional drone pilots are individuals trained and certified to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for commercial purposes. They use drones for tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, mapping, agriculture, and cinematography. These pilots must follow regulations set by aviation authorities, such as the FAA in the United States, which often require obtaining a remote pilot certificate. Their expertise ensures the safe and effective use of drones across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional drone pilot?

To thrive as a Professional Drone Pilot, you need expertise in drone operation, a strong understanding of aviation regulations, and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Proficiency with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is crucial for efficient and safe operations. Excellent spatial awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you manage complex tasks and coordinate with clients or teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safety, legal compliance, and the delivery of high-quality aerial services.

What are some common challenges professional drone pilots face when working on-site, and how can they prepare for them?

Professional Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, navigating complex airspace regulations, and ensuring equipment reliability in the field. To prepare, it’s essential to stay updated on local regulations, conduct thorough pre-flight checks, and have contingency plans for weather changes or technical issues. Additionally, strong communication with clients and team members helps ensure smooth operations and mitigates unexpected on-site problems.

What is the difference between Professional Drone Pilot vs Commercial Drone Operator?

AspectProfessional Drone PilotCommercial Drone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 CertificationFAA Part 107 Certification
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including photography, surveying, inspectionBusiness or client-based projects in similar industries
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers, freelance work, government agenciesCompanies, clients, service providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, job scopeSimilar roles, certifications, job functions

Both Professional Drone Pilots and Commercial Drone Operators typically hold FAA Part 107 certification and work in industries like photography, surveying, and inspection. The main difference lies in terminology: 'Professional Drone Pilot' emphasizes individual expertise and professionalism, while 'Commercial Drone Operator' often refers to the business or service provider. Both roles involve operating drones for commercial purposes, with overlapping skills and work environments.

Can you make good money as a professional drone pilot?

Professional drone pilots can earn varying incomes depending on experience, location, and the type of work, such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspections. Entry-level pilots may start with lower rates, while experienced pilots with specialized skills and certifications can command higher fees, often working freelance or for companies. Overall, it is possible to make a good income as a drone pilot with the right skills and client base.

How much do professional drone pilots earn?

Professional drone pilots typically earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of projects they undertake. Freelance pilots or those working in specialized industries like cinematography or surveying can earn higher rates, especially with advanced certifications and equipment skills.

Is there a demand for professional drone pilots?

The demand for professional drone pilots is growing across industries such as filmmaking, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. Employers seek pilots with FAA certifications, technical skills, and experience operating various drone models, reflecting increased commercial use and regulatory acceptance.
More about Professional Drone Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Professional Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Drone Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Drone Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Drone Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professional Drone Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Drone Pilot jobs are:

Professional Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Drone Pilot - Agriculture

DMR TECHNOLOGIES INC

West Palm Beach, FL • Remote

$50K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Drone Pilot / Agricultural Drone Operator (UAV / UAS)

ANYWHERE IN THE US

Precision Agriculture | Part 107 Preferred
DMR Technologies is recruiting drone pilots and aspiring agricultural drone operators to join the rapidly growing precision agriculture drone industry.

Through our Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) program, operators launch their drone operation using DMR-provided spray drones, training, and operational support—without the large upfront equipment investment.

Why This Opportunity Exists

  • Over 350 million acres are sprayed annually in the U.S.
  • Agricultural drones represent a $500M–$1.4B emerging services market
  • Fewer than 1,000 licensed agricultural drone operators currently exist
Demand for drone crop spraying and precision agriculture services continues to grow nationwide.
What You’ll Do
Operate advanced agricultural spray drones (UAV / UAS) to support modern farming operations:

  • Fly precision agriculture spray drones
  • Apply crop protection products
  • Perform GPS-guided crop spraying
  • Maintain flight logs and follow FAA drone safety regulations
Your work helps farmers reduce chemical use, increase yields, and modernize agriculture.
Earnings Potential Typical operator performance:

  • 120 spray days per year
  • 100 acres per day
  • 12,000 acres annually
Average service pricing: ~$15 per acre
Potential operator revenue: ~$180,000 per year
Preferred Qualifications

  • Interest in drones, aviation, or agriculture
  • Experience with UAV / UAS flight operations
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (preferred)
  • FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator certification (helpful but not required)
  • Agriculture or farming background a plus
About DMR Technologies

DMR Technologies is a U.S. drone manufacturer based in Lafayette, Louisiana, producing precision agriculture spray drones and industrial UAV systems.

Our flagship Field Ranger X50 spray drone is Built on the Bayou for American farmers and operators.

Apply today to launch your career as a professional drone pilot in precision agriculture.

DMR Technologies, Inc.
dmrdrones.com

Keywords: Drone Pilot | UAV Pilot | UAS Operator | Agricultural Drone Pilot | Part 107 Drone Pilot | Precision Agriculture | Crop Spraying Drone
Drone Pilot Training Available

This is a remote position.