1

Survey Pilot Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Survey Crew Chief will be responsible for conducting a variety of survey assignments to include ... FAA Part 107 UAS pilot license is preferred. Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently ...

The Survey Crew Chief will be responsible for conducting a variety of survey assignments to include ... FAA Part 107 UAS pilot license is preferred. Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently ...

The Survey Crew Chief will be responsible for conducting a variety of survey assignments to include ... FAA Part 107 UAS pilot license is preferred. Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently ...

The Survey Crew Chief is a technical position within the survey and geomatics discipline ... FAA Part 107, Certified Remote Pilot certification is preferred. * Above average communication ...

The Survey Crew Chief is a technical position within the survey and geomatics discipline ... FAA Part 107, Certified Remote Pilot certification is preferred. * Above average communication ...

The Geospatial Technician travels to projects as a drone pilot and collects remote sensing and survey data. Under the guidance of more experienced Geomatics staff, this role provides support in ...

Geospatial Technician

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$24.05 - $30.06/hr

The Geospatial Technician travels to projects as a drone pilot and collects remote sensing and survey data. Under the guidance of more experienced Geomatics staff, this role provides support in ...

Geospatial Technician

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$24.05 - $30.06/hr

The Geospatial Technician travels to projects as a drone pilot and collects remote sensing and survey data. Under the guidance of more experienced Geomatics staff, this role provides support in ...

Geospatial Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.05 - $30.06/hr

The Geospatial Technician travels to projects as a drone pilot and collects remote sensing and survey data. Under the guidance of more experienced Geomatics staff, this role provides support in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Survey Pilot information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$32

$51

How much do survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey pilot in Colorado is $32.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.53 and $37.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey pilot?

Survey Pilots are professional aviators who operate aircraft specifically for aerial surveying and data collection purposes. Their primary role involves flying over designated areas to capture photographs, collect lidar or multispectral data, or conduct other types of airborne surveys. They work closely with surveyors, engineers, or scientists to ensure precise flight paths and accurate data collection. Survey Pilots often operate specialized equipment and must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. This job can involve irregular hours and travel to remote locations.

What does a survey pilot do?

A survey pilot usually flies for an organization to perform different measurement data capture flights. Your responsibilities include capturing data via aerial photos, making bedrock content measurement, and laser scanning when you are in flight. Other duties include safely operating the aircraft, conducting flights that comply with all regulations, communicating with maintenance to ensure that the plane and engine are working, performing post-flight and pre-flight operations and inspections, making sure that your navigation data is accurate, and keeping detailed and accurate records that are compliant with all FAA rules and regulations. You work with the sensor operators as you fly to complete assigned missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a survey pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Survey Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigation skills, and experience with aerial survey operations. Familiarity with specialized survey equipment, GPS technology, and data collection systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Instrument Rating. Attention to detail, strong communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing variable weather and coordinating with ground crews. These skills ensure accurate data capture, safe flight operations, and effective teamwork in diverse and dynamic survey environments.

What are the typical challenges a survey pilot faces during aerial data collection missions?

Survey Pilots often encounter challenges such as flying in varying weather conditions, maintaining precise flight paths, and operating specialized survey equipment while ensuring safety and data accuracy. Coordination with ground crew and survey technicians is crucial, as is the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments or mission requirements. Additionally, Survey Pilots must manage fatigue during long flight hours and comply with regulatory standards for both aviation and data collection procedures.

What is the difference between Survey Pilot vs Survey Coordinator?

AspectSurvey PilotSurvey Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires pilot licenses and aviation certificationsRequires educational background in research, statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentOperates aircraft for aerial surveysManages survey projects, coordinates teams and schedules
Industry UsageUsed mainly in aerial data collection, environmental monitoringCommon in research, market research, and project management

Survey Pilot and Survey Coordinator roles differ mainly in their credentials and work environment. Survey Pilots operate aircraft for aerial surveys, requiring aviation licenses, while Survey Coordinators manage survey projects on the ground, focusing on planning and coordination. Both roles are essential in data collection industries but serve distinct functions.

What are popular job titles related to Survey Pilot jobs in Colorado?

For Survey Pilot jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Survey Pilot jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Survey Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Survey Pilot job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,930 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Geospatial Sensor Operator

Colorado Springs, CO • Remote

$18 - $24/hr

Part-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

ABOUT US

Founded in 1866, The Sanborn Map Company (Sanborn) is one of the oldest continuously operating mapping and geospatial information technology companies in the US. Our work is highly visual, and our mapped data and applications are an essential part of todays information economy. We serve many industries and government departments and need to communicate effectively with them about our wide range of products and services. We remain at the forefront of the GIS and photogrammetry industry by offering high quality, technologically superior products and services backed by the industrys most experienced staff. We are looking for a talented individual to fill this role working in a collaborative environment ready to innovate workflow.

SUMMARY:

The Geospatial Sensor Operator is responsible for the operation of computer managed flight navigation systems, GPS Geodetic base stations, and a combination of E/O sensors, Lidar sensors, and other related systems. The Airborne Sensor operator collects viable data in a timely fashion to meet the company objectives. In this role you will need to possess a combination of maturity, skill, and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member. You must have the ability to travel extensively anywhere in North America. This is a remote position 95% of the working hours.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES:

  • Prepare field equipment, maps, logistics, and electronic information.
  • Collect survey and remote sensing data using various types of equipment.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot survey and remote sensing equipment.
  • Maintain a collaborative work environment field teams.
  • Download and ship data gathered after mission completion.
  • Perform initial quality assessment in the field to assure data meets client specifications.
  • Coordinate with the senior operations personnel to determine if re-flights are required.
  • Generate and/or review flight plans for data acquisition missions.
  • Prepare post mission flight logs and reports.
  • Assist Aerial Survey Pilot in exercising professional judgement at the job site in determining conditions and procedures under which data collection will be performed.
  • Apply specialized knowledge in using industry and proprietary software to accomplish in-office data processing and quality control.
  • Responsible to update quality management procedures on aerial sensor operation when required
  • Remove and install equipment when required.
  • Ensure to follow these guidelines, but are not limited to: company operating procedures, equipment operating procedures, FAA regulations, and client specifications.

EDUCATION:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Associate degree, or certificate in relevant course of study, such as math, computer science, engineering disciplines or the equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word.
  • GIS software knowledge such as ESRI or QGIS.

OTHER:

  • Perform work daily over extended weekly schedules including travel as required.
  • Working independently to perform work without immediate or constant supervision.
  • Working outdoors in a variety of environmental and geographic conditions.
  • Technical savvy to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment.
  • Valid Drivers License and the ability to travel anywhere in the United States.
  • Must be 21 years of age.

SUPERVSIORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

Position: Part-time (working up to 1600 hours annually)

Pay Range: $18-24 hourly

Sanborn offers 401k with company match, and dental, vision, and company paid accident and life insurance benefits with the position.

TO APPLY: Visit our website: www.Sanborn.com under the Careers menu option to apply. We are accepting applications for this position until August 15, 2026. Sanborn is an AA/Veteran/Disability Equal Opportunity Employer.