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Uav Pilots Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

Position UAV Test Pilots * Location: Churchville, Maryland * Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required * Salary: $28/HR - $33/HR Depending on Experience ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational protocols and safety standards. * Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) ...

Industrial Access

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

Industrial Access, Inc.

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

General Atomics

Flight-Ground Instructor

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Instructs UAV student pilots as well as instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations including academic (platform instruction) and in- flight instruction. * Acts ...

Intertek

UAV (Drone) Field Specialist

Houston, TX

The UAV Field Specialist is a certified FAA Part 107 pilot responsible for executing all aspects of UAV missions including flying, GPS ground control point capture, and other field tasks as needed.

Intertek

UAV (Drone) Field Specialist

Houston, TX

The UAV Field Specialist is a certified FAA Part 107 pilot responsible for executing all aspects of UAV missions including flying, GPS ground control point capture, and other field tasks as needed.

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Uav Pilots information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do uav pilots jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav pilots in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

Demand for UAV pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services due to increased use of drone technology. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating drones and understanding regulations, with job opportunities expanding as drone applications become more widespread.

What are some common challenges UAV pilots face when operating drones in the field?

UAV pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing limited battery life, and ensuring compliance with local airspace regulations. Field operations may also require troubleshooting technical issues on the spot and maintaining situational awareness to avoid obstacles or hazards. Successful UAV pilots stay updated on best practices, regularly inspect their equipment, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

How much do drone pilots get?

Drone pilots, or UAV pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level pilots may start with lower wages, while experienced professionals working in specialized fields like cinematography or surveying can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by certifications and advanced skills.

How do you become an UAV pilot?

To become an UAV pilot, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test, especially in the United States. They should also gain experience operating drones, understand airspace regulations, and often complete training on drone operation and safety procedures.

What is a UAV pilot's salary?

The average salary for UAV pilots ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified pilots with specialized skills in drone operation and maintenance tend to earn higher wages, especially in sectors like aerial photography, surveying, and inspection services.

What is the difference between Uav Pilots vs Drone Operators?

AspectUav PilotsDrone Operators
CertificationsFAA Part 107 CertificationFAA Part 107 Certification
Work EnvironmentAerial missions, outdoor locationsVaried settings, including indoor and outdoor
Industry UsageSurveying, filmmaking, agricultureInspection, photography, videography

Uav Pilots and Drone Operators often share certifications and work environments, but Uav Pilots typically perform more complex flight operations and may hold additional licenses. Both roles are essential in industries like filmmaking, agriculture, and surveying, with overlapping skills but different levels of responsibility.

What are UAV pilots?

UAV pilots, also known as drone pilots or unmanned aerial vehicle operators, are professionals trained to operate drones for various purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, inspections, agriculture, and surveillance. They control and monitor drones from a remote location, ensuring safe and accurate flight operations. UAV pilots must be knowledgeable about aviation regulations, weather conditions, and technical aspects of drone systems. Many UAV pilots are required to obtain certifications or licenses depending on the country and type of work they perform.

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

To thrive as a UAV Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical aptitude in aeronautics, and often a relevant certification such as FAA Part 107 for commercial drone operation. Familiarity with flight planning software, remote sensing tools, and GPS navigation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient missions. These skills are vital to operate drones safely, comply with regulations, and deliver accurate results in diverse environments.
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What cities are hiring for Uav Pilots jobs? Cities with the most Uav Pilots job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Uav Pilots jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Pilots jobs are:
Uav Pilots jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Pilots job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

UAV Test Pilots

Survice

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!

Why SURVICE?

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!

Position

UAV Test Pilots

  • Location: Churchville, Maryland
  • Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
  • Salary: $28/HR - $33/HR Depending on Experience and Education
  • Travel: 20%
  • Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary

SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking UAV Test Pilots to support our Chesapeake Production Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • UAV test pilot with acillary duties related to UAV system and subsystem assembly, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • UAV research, development, and testing. Must have Pilot's license and be able to operate Group 3 aircraft.
  • Will perform test flights, troubleshooting, training, and create test procedures related to various unmanned vehicles.
  • UAV pilots will also support end user training events and field demonstration events that may require domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications of UAV Test Pilot

High School Diploma Required | Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science preferred and 1+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.

  • Aircraft operation, safety, testing, training, procedure development.
  • Part 61, Part 141, Commercial Pilot or Private Pilots license.
  • Specific knowledge of military aircraft systems preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of unmanned rotorcraft preferred.
  • Experience building, repairing, troubleshooting electronic systems - especially remote control vehicles, robotics, etc.

About Us

SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.


SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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