We are seeking an experienced Part 107 UAS Pilot / Survey Party Chief to support our growing survey and geospatial operations. This position is responsible for performing traditional survey tasks ...
We are seeking an experienced Part 107 UAS Pilot / Survey Party Chief to support our growing survey and geospatial operations. This position is responsible for performing traditional survey tasks ...
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
San Francisco, CA · 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 ...
Quick apply
Drone Pilot
San Francisco, CA · 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
Dallas, TX · 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 ...
Quick apply
Drone Pilot
Dallas, TX · 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
San Francisco, CA · 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
San Francisco, CA · 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
Seattle, WA · 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 ...
Quick apply
Drone Pilot
Seattle, WA · 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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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
Dallas, TX · 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
Dallas, TX · 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 ...
Quick apply
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
New York, NY · 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 ...
Quick apply
Drone Pilot
New York, NY · 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 ...
Fire Pilot
$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
$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 · 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 ...
Fire Pilot
Buena Park, CA · 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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
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 ...
Aerial Survey Captain
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$27 - $33.50/hr
... surveying operations in Beechcraft King Air 90 or King Air 200 aircraft ... Hear from a few of our pilots and learn more about the mission here: Company Compensation and Perks ...
Aerial Survey Captain
Bridgewater, VA · On-site
$27 - $33.50/hr
... surveying operations in Beechcraft King Air 90 or King Air 200 aircraft ... Hear from a few of our pilots and learn more about the mission here: Company Compensation and Perks ...
... survey cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale ... This role requires an experienced pilot with good interpersonal skills who enjoys working with and ...
... survey cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale ... This role requires an experienced pilot with good interpersonal skills who enjoys working with and ...
Check Airman / Training Pilot
Medford, OR · On-site
... survey cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale ... This role requires an experienced pilot with good interpersonal skills who enjoys working with and ...
Check Airman / Training Pilot
Medford, OR · On-site
... survey cameras. In addition, the Vexcel Data Program brings world class imagery to internet-scale ... This role requires an experienced pilot with good interpersonal skills who enjoys working with and ...
Survey Pilot information
See salary details
$14.90 - $17.99
6% of jobs
$17.99 - $21.07
7% of jobs
$21.07 - $24.15
11% of jobs
$24.30 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$24.15 - $27.23
16% of jobs
The median wage is $29.06 / hr.
$27.23 - $30.31
17% of jobs
$30.31 - $33.39
15% of jobs
$34.50 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$33.39 - $36.47
9% of jobs
$36.47 - $39.55
7% of jobs
$39.55 - $42.64
7% of jobs
$42.64 - $45.72
3% of jobs
$45.72 - $48.80
1% of jobs
$14
$31
$48
How much do survey pilot jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 22, 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 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?
| Aspect | Survey Pilot | Survey Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires pilot licenses and aviation certifications | Requires educational background in research, statistics, or related fields |
| Work Environment | Operates aircraft for aerial surveys | Manages survey projects, coordinates teams and schedules |
| Industry Usage | Used mainly in aerial data collection, environmental monitoring | Common 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.
More about Survey Pilot jobs
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 job categories do people searching Survey Pilot jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Survey Pilot jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 16 days ago
Job description
We are seeking an experienced Part 107 UAS Pilot / Survey Party Chief to support our growing survey and geospatial operations. This position is responsible for performing traditional survey tasks, and operating UAV platforms for aerial mapping, LiDAR, imagery, inspection, and related data collection. The ideal candidate has strong field leadership experience, understands survey workflows, and can safely execute UAS missions in accordance with FAA Part 107 requirements and company procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a dependable field leader who can operate safely, think ahead, and produce high-quality survey and UAS data. This role requires someone who is comfortable managing both people and technology in the field, understands the importance of accurate control, and can represent the company professionally with clients and project teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as Survey Party Chief on field assignments, including topographic, boundary, construction, utility, route, and control surveys.
- Operate UAV systems under FAA Part 107 regulations for aerial mapping, LiDAR, photogrammetry, inspection, and data collection missions.
- Plan and execute UAS flights, including airspace review, mission planning, equipment checks, battery management, and field safety coordination.
- Establish and collect survey control, ground control points, checkpoints, and QA/QC observations using GNSS and robotic total station equipment.
- Lead field crews, assign daily tasks, verify field procedures, and ensure data is collected accurately and efficiently.
- Maintain accurate field notes, digital records, flight logs, equipment logs, and project documentation.
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Data Managers, and office staff to confirm scope, deliverables, schedules, and field requirements.
- Perform preflight inspections, equipment maintenance checks, and follow all company UAV safety procedures.
- Identify field conflicts, access issues, safety concerns, and scope changes, and communicate them promptly.
- Support data quality by ensuring proper control layout, scan/flight coverage, photo overlap, and field verification.
Required Qualifications
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Survey Party Chief experience with the ability to lead a field crew independently.
- Experience with GNSS receivers, total stations, data collectors, and standard field survey procedures.
- Strong understanding of survey control, topographic data collection, construction staking, and field QA/QC.
- Ability to read plans, survey scopes, maps, and project instructions.
- Strong safety mindset and ability to follow company, client, and FAA requirements.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Ability to travel, work outdoors in varying conditions, and lift/carry field equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with UAV LiDAR, photogrammetry, and mapping workflows.
- Experience with Trimble, QGround Control, DJI Pilot, UgCS, or similar systems.
- Knowledge of SUE, utility surveys, transmission corridors, renewable energy sites, or large-scale civil projects.
- Experience training or mentoring junior field staff.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a dependable field leader who can operate safely, think ahead, and produce high-quality survey and UAS data. This role requires someone who is comfortable managing both people and technology in the field, understands the importance of accurate control, and can represent the company professionally with clients and project teams.
About Encompass Energy Services
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Oil and gas extraction
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
The Woodlands, TX, US
Year founded
2011