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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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - Rotating Shifts

Nashville, TN · On-site

Drone Pilot - Rotating Shifts Location: Brentwood, TN Shift: Rotating Travel: ~10 percent ... This is a hands‑on, technology‑driven role ideal for professionals who excel in mission ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Talmadge Group

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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

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do professional drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 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, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

TSMG

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements.
  • 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 record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.