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Remote Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

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

SAIC

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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

SAIC

ATC Tower Remote Pilot Operator

College Park, GA · 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 Atlanta ...

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 ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Charlotte, NC · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Philadelphia, PA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Memphis, TN · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Saint Louis, MO · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Tampa, FL · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

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Remote Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

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How much do remote drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote 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.

Is there a high demand for remote drone pilots?

Remote drone pilots are in increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and media, driven by the need for aerial data collection and inspections. Job opportunities are growing as companies adopt drone technology and seek certified pilots with skills in operating remotely and using relevant software. However, demand can vary by region and industry, and obtaining proper certifications can enhance employability.

What does a remote drone pilot do?

A typical day as a Remote Drone Pilot involves preparing and checking drone equipment, reviewing flight plans and weather conditions, conducting missions to gather aerial footage or data, and performing post-flight checks and data processing. You'll often work independently but may collaborate with teams such as surveyors, photographers, or project managers to meet specific client objectives. Communication with clients to understand their requirements and provide updates is an important aspect of the role. Time management and adaptability are key, as project needs and flight schedules can change on short notice. Depending on the employer, you may also contribute to equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance documentation, or training new pilots.

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

To thrive as a Remote Drone Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of aviation regulations, and typically a Part 107 (or relevant) drone operator certification. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS systems, mapping applications, and camera equipment is essential. Attention to detail, excellent problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help a pilot effectively manage operations and coordinate with team members or clients remotely. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient aerial data collection or imagery for commercial projects.

What is a remote drone pilot?

A Remote Drone Pilot operates drones to capture aerial images, videos, or data for various industries, such as filmmaking, agriculture, construction, and inspections. They follow flight plans, adhere to safety regulations, and may analyze collected data. Some pilots work freelance, while others are employed by companies needing aerial surveillance or imagery. Certification and licensing requirements vary by country.

More about Remote Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote 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 Remote Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Drone Pilot jobs are:
Remote Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Elgin, IL • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.
We are looking Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Regional Training Site, located in Elgin, IL, 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.
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

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
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.

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