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Remote Drone Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Raptor Maps

Drone Operator

$25 - $35/hr

This is a remote contract role with location and schedule dictated by the work assigned. Prior titles held may include Flight Coordinator, Drone Pilot, or UAS Operator. Locations: * Remote ...

Turner Mining Group

Entry Level Drone Operator Pilot

$20 - $21/hr

Drone Operator Pilots have a very heavy schedule. There is a great deal of nationwide travel ... Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License. * Preference will be given to candidates ...

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Position Summary Acuren is currently recruiting for Drone Operators for operations in the Western ... Conduct remote UAS flight operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company ...

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Position Summary Acuren is currently recruiting for Drone Operators for operations in the Western ... Conduct remote UAS flight operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company ...

SAIC

L30 Remote Pilot Operator

Las Vegas, NV · Remote

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Las Vegas ...

SAIC

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · Remote

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 Charlotte ...

SAIC

MSY Remote Pilot Operator

New Orleans, LA · Remote

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 Louis ...

SAIC

DCA Remote Pilot Operator

Washington, DC · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 Washington ...

SAIC

PCT Remote Pilot Operator

Warrenton, VA · Remote

$17.50 - $24/hr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 Potomac ...

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · Remote

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 Fairbanks ...

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All JobsRemote Drone Operator Jobs

Remote Drone Operator information

See salary details

$10

$23

$37

How much do remote drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote drone operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does Amazon pay drone pilots?

Amazon's drone delivery program employs remote drone operators who typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience and location. Compensation may also include benefits and opportunities for overtime, with some roles requiring certification in drone operation and adherence to safety regulations.

How much do remote drone operators make?

Remote drone operators typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $100,000 annually for full-time positions, especially in industries like surveying, filmmaking, or inspection services.

What is the 120m rule for drones?

The 120-meter rule for drones states that remote drone operators must keep their drones within visual line of sight and not fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level unless they have special authorization. This regulation helps ensure safe operation and prevent collisions with manned aircraft. Adhering to altitude limits is a key part of drone safety and compliance for remote pilots.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for remote drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and inspection services. As drone technology advances and regulations evolve, skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of flight safety are increasingly sought after.

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

To thrive as a Remote Drone Operator, you need strong piloting skills, spatial awareness, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA or relevant local authority. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and video or imaging tools is essential for safe and effective operation. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help operators adapt to changing environments and collaborate with team members or clients. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality data collection or imagery for diverse applications.

What is a Remote Drone Operator?

A Remote Drone Operator is a professional who pilots unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, from a distance using remote control equipment. They are responsible for navigating the drone, capturing aerial images or video, gathering data, and ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft. Remote Drone Operators work in various industries such as agriculture, real estate, filmmaking, surveying, and emergency services. Their tasks often include pre-flight planning, equipment maintenance, and adhering to aviation regulations. Strong technical skills and knowledge of airspace laws are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by remote drone operators, and how can they be addressed?

Remote drone operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining reliable connectivity for real-time control, navigating complex airspace regulations, and adapting to varying weather conditions. To address these, operators should stay updated on local and federal drone laws, invest in reliable communication equipment, and receive proper training in troubleshooting and emergency procedures. Collaborating closely with team members such as data analysts and project managers also helps ensure smooth operations and quick problem-solving.

What is the difference between Remote Drone Operator vs Remote Camera Operator?

AspectRemote Drone OperatorRemote Camera Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 license, drone operation certificationsCamera operation certifications, media or broadcast licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial environments using dronesIndoor or outdoor, filming or broadcasting remotely
Industry UsageAerial photography, surveying, inspectionsFilm, television, live streaming
Common Search IntentRemote drone operation jobs, drone pilot rolesRemote camera work, filming jobs

Remote Drone Operators focus on flying drones for aerial tasks, requiring specific certifications like FAA Part 107. Remote Camera Operators handle filming or broadcasting remotely, often with media licenses. While both roles involve remote operation, they serve different industries and require distinct skills and certifications.

More about Remote Drone Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Drone Operator jobs? Cities with the most Remote Drone Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operator jobs? The most popular types of Drone Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Drone Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Drone Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Drone Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Drone Operator jobs are:
Remote Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Drone Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Drone Operator

Drone Operator

Raptor Maps

Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Contractor

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Raptor Maps, Inc
Solar power is the largest source of new energy in the world. Raptor Maps is a fast-growing, venture-backed, MIT-born climate tech company building software to enable the solar energy industry to scale. We have the leading platform for remotely managed solar operations, and our mission is to make solar asset management and O&M dramatically simpler through better data, automation, and the integration of robotics. We serve tens of thousands of solar sites around the world with a dedicated and passionate team committed to having impact through work and advancing the renewable energy economy.
Our mission is groundbreaking, and we need great people to make it happen. Join us in building the digital backbone of a stronger, more scalable solar industry!
About the role
Raptor Maps is hiring contract Drone Operators who will sit at the core of our turnkey data collection. You will manage mission planning and drone flights, ensuring accuracy and quality that meet our exacting standards. This is a task based role that requires attention to detail and proper tracking of work completed in our systems.
Part 107 pilots will plan, schedule, and execute missions following established protocols and working closely with our internal team of data collection specialists. This is a remote contract role with location and schedule dictated by the work assigned.
Prior titles held may include Flight Coordinator, Drone Pilot, or UAS Operator.
Locations:
  • Remote - California
  • Remote - Illinois
  • Remote - Massachusetts
  • Remote - Minnesota
  • Remote - New York / New Jersey
  • Remote - North Carolina
  • Remote - Texas

What you'll do
  • Schedule: Maintain and update mission calendar
  • Plan: Create, organize, and store portfolio of mission plans
  • Check: Conduct regular safety and preflight checks following established protocols
  • Fly: Deploy unmanned systems to capture data utilizing automated missions; monitor and maintain safe operations utilizing all available systems and engage in manual flight control as necessary
  • Verify: Document work completed and any deviations from expected operations
  • Deliver: Ensure complete upload of data from drone to cloud systems
  • Work with team to ensure continuous improvement, document process changes, and define exceptions that will drive the team's success
  • Escalate matters appropriately utilizing SOPs, proper channels, and critical thinking

Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 certificate
  • Proven track record of safe flight operations
  • Proficiency in operating DJI enterprise and/or Skydio UAS systems
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain uninterrupted attention during active flight operations
  • Attention to detail in scheduling, file management, and documentation of work
  • Communicate clearly and effectively across email, phone, team messaging tools, and meetings
  • Ability to learn and navigate new computer systems
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Utility scale solar inspection experience
  • 50+ flight hours on Skydio and/or DJI enterprise equipment with thermal sensors
  • Experience applying for and receiving LAANC authorizations, COAs, and Waivers
  • Familiarity with Slack for team communication

Preferred Equipment, Environment, and Connectivity
  • Enterprise Thermal Drone; Skydio X10, DJI M3T or M4T
  • Reliable phone service for emergency communications
  • Reliable vehicle for travel to/from inspection sites
  • Dedicated workspace free from distractions when not traveling
  • Computer with 16+GB RAM and:
    • MacOS 14.x or later or Windows 11 Pro
    • Chrome browser
    • Two or more 22"+ monitors
    • Audio in/out capability
  • Hardline internet service (cable or fiber) with at least 50 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up

The pay range for this role is:
25 - 35 USD per hour (Remote)

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