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Remote Aviation Pilot Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Airplane Pilot (SEAPLANE)

Ely, MN · On-site +1

$92K - $144K/yr

Summary This position is located in Ely, MN within Region 9 Fire and Aviation Management. The ... Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable). * Under age 40; less than age 40 ...

Vice President-Customer Support

Duluth, MN · On-site +1

$137K - $176K/yr

FAA Pilot License and/or general aviation flying experience preferred * FAA Airframe and Powerplant ... Experience leading multiple locations or remote work force preferred Our Benefits: Cirrus provides ...

Vice President-Customer Support

Duluth, MN · On-site +1

$204K - $258K/yr

FAA Pilot License and/or general aviation flying experience preferred * FAA Airframe and Powerplant ... Experience leading multiple locations or remote work force preferred Our Benefits: Cirrus provides ...

Senior DevSecOps Engineer

Eagan, MN · Remote

$106K - $146K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.

Lead DevSecOps Engineer

Eagan, MN · Remote

$104K - $137K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.

Senior Systems Engineer

Eagan, MN · Remote

$106K - $145K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.

Remote Aviation Pilot information

See Minnesota salary details

$48.5K

$128.2K

$196.9K

How much do remote aviation pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aviation pilot in Minnesota is $128,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $151,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote aviation pilot?

Remote Aviation Pilots are professionals who operate aircraft remotely, often using drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), rather than flying from inside the cockpit. Their responsibilities can include aerial surveying, photography, agricultural monitoring, package delivery, or supporting emergency services. These pilots must have strong technical knowledge, adhere to aviation regulations, and often require certification from relevant authorities such as the FAA. The role is increasingly in demand due to the growing use of drones in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote aviation pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Aviation Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, remote piloting skills, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate (such as FAA Part 107) or equivalent licensure. Familiarity with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control systems, navigation software, and compliance with airspace regulations is critical. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing flight operations and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are vital to operate UAVs effectively, comply with legal requirements, and ensure mission success in various remote aviation settings.

How does a remote aviation pilot typically coordinate with on-site teams and air traffic controllers during operations?

Remote Aviation Pilots regularly engage in real-time communication with on-site teams and air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. This coordination often involves using secure radio frequencies, video feeds, and digital communication platforms to relay information about flight plans, weather updates, and potential hazards. Clear and timely collaboration is essential, especially when operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in controlled airspace or near populated areas. Building strong relationships with ground crews and maintaining strict adherence to protocols helps Remote Aviation Pilots navigate operational challenges and maintain safety standards.

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

AspectRemote Aviation PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, pilot licenseFAA Part 107 or similar remote pilot certification
Work EnvironmentRemote flight operations, often with aircraft or simulatorsRemote control of drones, often in various outdoor or indoor settings
Industry UsageAviation, transportation, aerial surveyingPhotography, videography, inspection, mapping

Remote Aviation Pilots and Drone Operators both require remote pilot certifications and work in remote environments. However, Remote Aviation Pilots typically operate manned aircraft or advanced simulators within the aviation industry, while Drone Operators focus on controlling unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial or recreational purposes. Both roles are in high demand for remote aerial tasks, but they differ in aircraft type and industry applications.

How much do remote aviation pilots make?

Remote aviation pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the aircraft operated. Many remote pilot roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating drones or other unmanned aircraft systems in various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Aviation Pilot jobs in Minnesota?

For Remote Aviation Pilot jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Aviation Pilot jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Remote Aviation Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Aviation Pilot job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,221 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


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7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Job description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) in Farmington, MN, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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).

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.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • 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

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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