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Remote Aviation Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do remote aviation pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aviation 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Aviation Pilot, and why are they important?

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 are Remote Aviation Pilots?

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 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.

More about Remote Aviation Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Aviation Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Remote Aviation Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Aviation Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs are:
Remote Aviation Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Aviation Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
PHL ATCT Remote Pilot Operator

PHL ATCT Remote Pilot Operator

Science Applications International Corporation

Philadelphia, PA • Remote

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 210 rated it services

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 Philadelphia ATCT (PHL) in Philadelphia, PA, 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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