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Survey Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL ยท On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping ...

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering ... Collect high-resolution aerial imagery and survey data for mapping, topographic surveys ...

GA ยท On-site

Drone Pilot / Surveyor Location: Remote Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Engineering ... Collect high-resolution aerial imagery and survey data for mapping, topographic surveys ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... feet on map survey work, power line patrol or construction work, fire control work, rescue ... FIRE PILOT CHECK FLIGHT EXAMINATION Candidates who successfully complete the oral interview will be ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

At least 500 hours of low-level flight such as powerline patrol, animal survey/capture, and ... The Fire Pilot Check Flight is a pass/fail event. CHIEF'S INTERVIEW Candidates who successfully ...

... Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ... Support survey planning activities, including flight path design and scheduling * Perform pre ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX ยท On-site

... Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ... Support survey planning activities, including flight path design and scheduling * Perform pre ...

Showing results 21-40

Survey Pilot information

See salary details

$14

$31

$48

How much do survey pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey pilot in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 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 pilotโ€™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 cities are hiring for Survey Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Survey Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Survey Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Survey Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Survey Pilot jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Survey Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data. 

Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and videography.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections.
  • Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition.
  • Follow all FAA regulations and safety guidelines during drone operations.
  • Plan flight paths and adjust them as necessary based on environmental conditions.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret aerial data for reporting and project needs.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met.
  • Maintain detailed records of flights, including time, locations, and data collected.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drone equipment.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to drone operations.
Qualifications:
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience operating drones in various settings.
  • Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software).
  • Excellent spatial awareness and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with specific drone models (e.g., DJI, Parrot).
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry and GIS applications.
  • Previous experience in (e.g., construction, agriculture, film).
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.