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Remote Pilot Operator Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

Remote Pilot Operator information

See Idaho salary details

$10.3K

$114.5K

$181.6K

How much do remote pilot operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot operator in Idaho is $114,461.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $164,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote pilot operator?

A Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) assists air traffic controllers by simulating real-world flight scenarios in training environments. They operate radar and communication tools to mimic aircraft movements, providing realistic practice for trainees. RPOs play a crucial role in helping controllers develop decision-making and communication skills. This position typically requires familiarity with aviation systems and strong attention to detail. It is commonly found in FAA training facilities and aviation training programs.

What does a typical workday look like for a remote pilot operator?

As a Remote Pilot Operator, your day usually involves simulating aircraft movements to support air traffic controller training or operational scenarios. You’ll use specialized radar and communication systems to mimic real pilot responses and adjust flight paths based on evolving instructions. Collaboration with instructors, other simulation operators, and trainees is an essential part of the workflow, allowing you to help create realistic and challenging scenarios. The role often requires periods of focused attention, adaptability to changing situations, and clear communication within a team-focused environment.

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

To thrive as a Remote Pilot Operator, you need strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and a background in aviation or air traffic operations, often supported by specialized training. Familiarity with radar simulation systems, voice communications equipment, and air traffic control simulation tools is typically required, and FAA certifications may be preferred. Excellent communication, teamwork, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure safety, accuracy, and effective simulation during high-stakes training and operational exercises.

Are remote pilot operators paid well?

Remote pilot operators, who operate unmanned aerial vehicles remotely, typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn over $100,000 per year. Compensation often depends on the complexity of the drone operations and the employer’s industry sector.

How much do remote pilot operators make?

Remote pilot operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry they work in. Many roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating drones for surveying, filming, or inspection tasks, often on a freelance or contract basis.

What can I do with a remote pilot license?

A remote pilot license allows you to operate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) commercially, such as for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or delivery services. It certifies you to fly drones within legal guidelines and often requires knowledge of airspace rules and safety procedures.

What do remote pilot operators do?

Remote pilot operators are responsible for flying and managing unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. They operate drones using remote controls or software, ensure compliance with regulations, and often hold certifications like Part 107. Their work involves planning flight paths, monitoring drone performance, and maintaining safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Idaho?

For Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Idaho, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Idaho look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Idaho are:

What cities in Idaho are hiring for Remote Pilot Operator jobs?

Cities in Idaho with the most Remote Pilot Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Pilot Operator job openings in Idaho as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,461 per year, or $55 per hour.

Field Operations Specialist

Rainmaker Technology Corporation

Pocatello, ID • Remote

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Department: Field Operations

Reports To: Program Manager

Type: Contract (concludes April 30, 2027)

Salary: Hourly, $65,000k annual equivalent + overtime

About Rainmaker

Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to address water scarcity and inclement weather

challenges worldwide. We develop and integrate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather

modeling, and sustainable seeding agents into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.

Rainmaker is building something that hasn't existed before. If you're the kind of person who gets energized

by hard problems, new territory, and the opportunity to do work that has real impact on water resources, we

want to hear from you.

About the Role

It's 10:24 PM. You were waiting for the call.

Your phone buzzes. Rainmaker's meteorologists have identified an overnight seeding window within the mountain range of your area of operations. Conditions are ideal. You've got about ten hours to turn supercooled liquid water into the snow that will eventually melt and feed into the aquifers, farms, and communities that need water now more than ever.

At headquarters, your team scouts the mission and loads the F-150 with drones, generators, laptops, and a Starlink. Your dog jumps in the cab with you, ready for adventure.

The Agile Deployment Vehicle smells like Red Bull as your crew heads north towards the mountains. The temperature outside is dropping. Single digits by the time you reach the launch site.

Your fingers are clumsy with the cold as you run pre-flight checks, but you've done it enough times that your hands know what to do.

Your drone lifts into the sky, then out of sight.

What happens next is invisible. At 10,000 feet, the drone releases seeding particles into supercooled clouds, coaxing ice into existence, nudging the atmosphere toward something it was almost ready to do on its own.
You are making it snow.

Over the next few hours, precipitation falls across the mountains. Snowpack deepens. In just one mission, your team has created millions of gallons of water for a place that has suffered from drought for far too long.


You and your team were the reason.

As dawn breaks, you pack up and drive home before sunrise to sleep, ready to do it again when given the chance.

You are a Rainmaker Field Operations Specialist. This is the job.

Become a Rainmaker. 

Qualifications Required
  • Willingness and ability to work in remote, physically demanding, and weather-exposed environments

  • Strong attention to detail and discipline in following procedures

  • Reliable, self-directed, and able to work with minimal supervision

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a small field team

  • Comfort with frequent travel, including to remote or international locations

  • Valid driver's license

Preferred
  • Experience in field operations, aviation, military, emergency management, construction, or similar hands-on environments

  • Mechanical or technical aptitude, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

  • Experience operating or supporting UAS

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

  • Experience handling logistics, inventory, or supply

  • Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial data (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth)

  • Wilderness or backcountry experience

Rainmaker participates in E-Verify. To learn more, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

E-Verify.gov.

Rainmaker is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Rainmaker is governed on the basis of

merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion,

gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,

marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

No recruiting agencies.


$65,000 - $65,000 a year
Benefits:
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
apply for this job