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Professional Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required). * Valid driver's license with acceptable driving ... Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred. * Experience operating drones ...

Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre is looking for an experienced Part 107 drone pilot to join our ... As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations ...

Be Seen First

Represent Ensite professionally with the homeowner * Safely access rooftops on 1-2 story homes What you need (must have before applying) * 25 ft+ extension ladder (your own) * Drone with FAA Part 107 ...

Be Seen First

Represent Ensite professionally with the homeowner * Safely access rooftops on 1-2 story homes What you need (must have before applying) * 25 ft+ extension ladder (your own) * Drone with FAA Part 107 ...

Be Seen First

Represent Ensite professionally with the homeowner * Safely access rooftops on 1-2 story homes What you need (must have before applying) * 25 ft+ extension ladder (your own) * Drone with FAA Part 107 ...

Be Seen First

Represent Ensite professionally with the homeowner * Safely access rooftops on 1-2 story homes What you need (must have before applying) * 25 ft+ extension ladder (your own) * Drone with FAA Part 107 ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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 Piloting Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

Visalia, CA

$50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Drone Piloting Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Middle and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide drone piloting and aviation enrichment services for students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, available drones, classroom resources, flight space, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, instructional resources, project ideas, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

Some assignments may introduce students to concepts related to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Programs are educational in nature and are not intended to guarantee certification or examination outcomes.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and aviation sessions;

• Introduce students to drone flight fundamentals, aviation concepts, safety procedures, and responsible drone operation through hands-on learning activities;

• Adapt instruction based on student experience levels, site requirements, available equipment, and program objectives;

• Guide students through flight exercises, mission planning, problem-solving activities, and introductory FAA Part 107 concepts, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, technology, emergency, student-protection, and drone operation procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Drone components, controls, and pre-flight inspections;

• Safe and responsible drone operation;

• Basic flight maneuvers, navigation, and control techniques;

• Flight planning, airspace awareness, and weather considerations;

• FAA regulations and introductory Part 107 concepts, where appropriate;

• Drone applications in photography, mapping, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, engineering, and other industries;

• Mission-based challenges, teamwork, and problem-solving activities; and

• Careers in aviation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and related STEM fields.

Specific curriculum, drone platforms, flight activities, available equipment, and instructional requirements vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Experience operating drones and knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS);

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate preferred for many assignments; some assignments may specifically require current certification;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Ability to demonstrate safe drone operation while fostering critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and student engagement.

Preferred backgrounds may include FAA-certified remote pilots, drone instructors, aviation educators, commercial drone operators, engineers, STEM educators, photographers, surveyors, public safety professionals, military veterans with UAS experience, and others with relevant instructional or technical experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided drones, batteries, controllers, flight simulators, Chromebooks, tablets, curriculum resources, lesson plans, FAA educational materials, and other instructional resources, where available.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, proof of FAA certification (where applicable), or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.