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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Army National Guard Units

HELICOPTER PILOT

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$123K - $161K/yr

Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Army National Guard aviation program, experiences include ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required. * Get matched ... Deep knowledge of FAA knowledge examination content covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required. * Get matched ... Deep knowledge of FAA knowledge examination content covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required. * Get matched ... Deep knowledge of FAA knowledge examination content covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Miami Beach, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required. * Get matched ... Deep knowledge of FAA knowledge examination content covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Sandy Springs, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required. * Get matched ... Deep knowledge of FAA knowledge examination content covering aerodynamics, aircraft systems ...

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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot information

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How much do remotely piloted aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for remotely piloted aircraft pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a remotely piloted aircraft pilot do?

A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones from a distance, often using specialized controls and software. Their responsibilities include planning flight paths, launching and landing drones, monitoring in-flight data, and ensuring safe operation in compliance with regulations. These pilots may work in various fields such as military, agriculture, surveying, mapping, or filmmaking. They are also responsible for pre-flight checks, maintenance, and reporting any incidents or malfunctions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remotely piloted aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot, you need strong technical aptitude, situational awareness, and typically a relevant pilot certification such as an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with ground control stations, flight planning software, and navigation systems is usually required. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and teamwork skills set outstanding pilots apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and effective coordination during remote flight missions.

What are some common challenges remotely piloted aircraft pilots face during missions, and how can they be addressed?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots often encounter challenges such as managing complex flight systems, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and maintaining situational awareness without being physically present in the aircraft. Effective communication with ground teams and air traffic controllers is essential for mission success and safety. Addressing these challenges involves ongoing technical training, familiarity with mission planning tools, and developing strong teamwork skills to coordinate with support personnel and respond quickly to unexpected events.

What is the difference between Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemotely Piloted Aircraft PilotDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licensesOften FAA Part 107 certification, but may vary
Work EnvironmentControlled, regulated airspace, often commercial or governmentVaries from recreational to commercial settings, often more flexible
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, surveillance, mappingPhotography, videography, inspections, recreational

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots typically hold specific certifications and operate in regulated environments for commercial or governmental purposes. Drone Operators may have similar certifications but often work in more flexible, recreational, or semi-commercial settings. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in certification requirements and operational scope.

Are Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots in high demand?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots, are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, filmmaking, inspection, and security. The growth of commercial drone applications and the need for certified pilots with proper training and FAA or relevant authority certifications contribute to a strong job market for this role.

Are Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots paid well?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots, can earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced pilots working in sectors like film, agriculture, or defense can earn higher wages, often supplemented by certifications and specialized skills.

How much do Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and certification level. Commercial drone pilots with specialized skills or working in sectors like filmmaking, agriculture, or inspection can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications and equipment knowledge.
More about Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot jobs

What job categories do people searching Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot jobs are:

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 17% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 82% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Strike Support SME

Andrews, MD • On-site, Remote

Ryde Technologies, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Ryde Technologies, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Strike Support SME to support our client at Joint Base Andrews, MD. The job will be working for the Air National Guard Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA/Strike), Cyber/IT and Command and Control (C2) Staff Technical Support Services providing Functional Area Manager (FAM) Support to NGB/A2/6 and the RPA/Strike and C2 functions within NGB/A3/10. Provide functional and technical SME support to the NGB/A2/6 and NGB/A3/10 staff on program capabilities, functional area management, strategic planning, and equipment procurement/sustainment for the units, and personnel. Duties may include but not limited to budgetary planning, system architecture, and functional management at the NGB for ANG ISR, RPA/Strike, Cyber/IT and C2 asset integration into the active-duty U.S. Air Force (USAF) architecture.
The tasks include the following:
  • Draft/Edit ANG unit DOC statements.
  • Assist the ANG staff by monitoring, managing, and contributing to the development of AF-wide mission capabilities, weapons, and tactics.
  • Coordinate/Collaborate with ANG and AF staff, and operational field units on the budget, manpower, training, and technical resources necessary to effectively establish and transition ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units.
  • Review all (conversion or other) FINPLAN requests and Unfunded Requests (UFRs) from field; provide ANG FAM with a recommendation of which items should be funded; assist FAM in obtaining required documentation to fund FAM approved requests.
  • Serve as the contact at the ANG staff for issues involving ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 operations and capabilities.
  • Collaborate with ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 operational field units, appropriate HAF staff, MAJCOMs and DoD agencies on management and policy matters pertaining to readiness programs and activities, deployments and conferences and ensure that manpower, training, and sustainment supports readiness requirements in accordance with applicable AFIs and ANGIs.
  • Assist FAMs with the management and oversight of personnel and equipment to support training, planning, and execution.
  • Assist FAMs with recommendations, management, and maintenance of UTCs, UMDs, and DOC statements for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units.
  • Assist FAMs with reviewing and tracking unit readiness reports and force posturing. Identify trends, recommend reporting criteria and provide roll-up summaries/reports/graphs by mission set.
  • Recommend criteria for, and monitor unit readiness reporting, force posturing, analyses, and execution activities.
  • Monitor ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 unit activities in all areas pertinent to ANG programs as previously listed for possible improvements or changes and inform appropriate ANG FAM.
  • Analyze all ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 unit portfolio functional and system issues and proposed requirements; recommend solutions to the ANG staff and upon their selection of a solution work with the units, the gaining MAJCOM, and HAF to resolve the issue as necessary.
  • Travel to ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 Program Management Reviews (PMRs), site visits, SAVs, SATAFs to determine the status of programs, system installations/upgrades, effectiveness of support to operations, and report on effectiveness of support operations and to establish and coordinate action on related requirements.
  • Communicate guidance to the field and coordinate with ANG unit commanders to ensure compliance with USAF, MAJCOM, or NGB policy.
  • Draft recommendations for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike, C2 and Cyber/IT combat readiness improvements or changes.
  • Assist NGB staff by providing cost and programming data for NGREA requirements.
  • Inform appropriate ANG Program Element Monitors (PEMs) and FAMs of any current or potential funding issues and provide expert ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 systems requirement recommendations in support of the POM build process for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units and missions.
  • Maintain awareness of weapon system installations at ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 sites and units; inform appropriate ANG weapon system FAM and/or ANG Systems officer of the progress, to include identifying any potential delays within 2 working days of notification of the potential delay.
  • Analyze ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 systems issues and recommend solutions to the NGB staff, upon their selection of a solution work with the units, the SPO, NGB staff and the gaining MAJCOM to resolve the issue.
  • Work with HAF, MAJCOMs, System Program Offices (SPOs) and NGB staffs and ANG field units to synchronize and coordinate current and future ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 system installations and capabilities and provide "cradle-to-grave" systems support.
  • Work with appropriate FAMs to manage ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 personnel and units, including resolution of wartime requirements and authorization mismatches (UTC versus UMD); monitor DOC statements and DRRS reports.

Qualifications
CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret with SCI access
Bachelor's degree with seven (7) years of relevant experience or no degree with ten (10) years of working experience in the related field work or US Air Force FW/ISR support and operations.
The Government anticipates travel in support of this effort. The contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract
Security Clearance
Top Secret with SCI eligibility

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