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Remote Aircraft Pilot Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Aircraft Pilot information

See Nevada salary details

$48.9K

$88.7K

$135.4K

How much do remote aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aircraft pilot in Nevada is $88,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,300.00 and $103,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote aircraft pilot?

Remote Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operators, are professionals who control aircraft remotely without being onboard. They use specialized equipment and software to fly drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, delivery, or inspection. Remote Aircraft Pilots must understand aviation regulations, safety protocols, and the technical aspects of the drones they operate. Their work can support industries like filmmaking, construction, law enforcement, and environmental monitoring.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Aircraft Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, familiarity with aviation regulations, and typically a remote pilot certificate such as the FAA Part 107. Proficiency with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor integration is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient remote aircraft operations in various environments.

What are common challenges faced by remote aircraft pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Aircraft Pilots often encounter challenges such as communication delays with ground teams, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and managing long periods of focused attention during flight operations. To address these issues, pilots should develop strong situational awareness, maintain regular communication protocols, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with technology and regulations. Building good teamwork with support staff and staying up to date with best practices can help ensure safe and efficient operations in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Remote Aircraft Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Aircraft PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (often required)
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, or government settings, often involving larger aircraft or specialized operationsMedia, photography, surveying, or recreational use, often with smaller drones
Employer & IndustryAirlines, government agencies, private companiesMedia companies, survey firms, hobbyists

Remote Aircraft Pilots and Drone Operators both require FAA Part 107 certification and operate remotely, but Remote Aircraft Pilots typically handle larger, more complex aircraft in commercial or industrial settings, while Drone Operators often focus on smaller drones for media, surveying, or recreational purposes. The roles overlap in certification and remote work environment but differ in aircraft size and industry application.

Are remote aircraft pilots paid well?

Remote aircraft pilots, often involved in drone operations or virtual flight training, can earn competitive wages depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries typically range from moderate to high, with specialized skills and regulatory compliance influencing pay levels.

How do you become a remote aircraft pilot?

To become a remote aircraft pilot, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing a knowledge test and undergoing background checks. You should also gain experience with drone operation, understand airspace rules, and use appropriate remote control equipment. Additional training or certifications may be required depending on the complexity of the drone operations and employer requirements.

How much do remote aircraft pilots make?

Remote aircraft pilots, often called drone pilots or UAV operators, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the operations. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and whether they work freelance or for a company, with some specialized roles paying higher wages.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Nevada?

For Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Nevada look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Nevada are:

Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs near you

Remote Pilot Operator, FAA Regional Training Site, Las Vegas, NV

SAIC

Las Vegas, NV • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: T2509703

Location: Las Vegas, NV, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description


  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV (aka 'Drone') Pilot / Operator position.

We are looking for an experienced Controller Training Solutions (CTS) Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) to join the SAIC team providing air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the FAA Regional Training Site located in Las Vegas, NV.

Job Description:

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.

The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications:  Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).

SAIC is a leading provider of technical, engineering and enterprise information technology services to the U.S. government. Our 25,000+ employees deliver systems engineering and information technology offerings for large, complex government programs, as well as a broad range of higher-end, differentiated technology services. The company is headquartered in Reston, VA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications



Required Qualifications:

  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

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