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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 ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone ... As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ...

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 ...

Kiewit

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 29, 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 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 highest salary for a drone pilot?

The highest salaries for professional drone pilots can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced skills, specialized certifications, and experience in industries like film production, surveying, or infrastructure inspection. Top earners often work freelance or for large companies, and salaries vary based on location, project complexity, and equipment expertise.

What are professional drone pilots?

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 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.

How much do drone pilots earn?

Drone pilots can earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Freelance pilots or those working for companies may have variable income, with annual earnings typically ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. Certification and specialized skills can influence earning potential.

What is the highest paying drone pilot job?

The highest paying drone pilot jobs are typically in industrial sectors such as oil and gas, construction, and infrastructure inspection, where pilots perform specialized tasks like aerial surveying, mapping, and monitoring. These roles often require advanced certifications, experience, and the ability to operate high-end drones, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases depending on project scope and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Drone Pilot, and why are they important?

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.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for professional drone pilots is growing across industries such as photography, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating drones and adhering to regulations, with opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Locum Tenens, 52% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% 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 23 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.