ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Unmanned Aerial System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer VI

Poway, CA · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Project Engineers lead multi-disciplinary teams to architect, integrate, and field system-of-systems solutions for cutting edge Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

Entergy Services, LLC Job Summary/Purpose The Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot I or II performs all flights, collateral duties, and assigned crew duties - including Remote Pilot In Command, Visual ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA

Entergy Services, LLC Job Summary/Purpose The Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot I or II performs all flights, collateral duties, and assigned crew duties - including Remote Pilot In Command, Visual ...

Akima

KY · On-site

$158K/yr

Demonstrate proficiency in piloting both rotary and fixed wing aerial platforms, to include acromode First Person View (FPV) unmanned aerial systems (UAS). * Demonstrate capability to arm UxS to ...

RMGS

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

Gulfport, MS · On-site

Operate Group 3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in support of training missions * Deliver classroom and hands-on instruction on UAS operations on the following topics: * Airspace requirements ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnmanned Aerial System Jobs

Unmanned Aerial System information

See salary details

$10

$32

$83

How much do unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned aerial system in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) pilots or operators working in specialized sectors such as aerial surveying, cinematography, or military applications can sometimes earn around $3,000 per day, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience. These roles often require FAA certifications, technical skills, and the ability to operate drones in complex environments, with pay varying based on project scope and industry demand.

What jobs can you get with a UAS degree?

A UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) degree can qualify you for roles such as drone pilot, UAV operator, or remote sensing technician. These jobs often involve operating drones for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or data collection, and may require certifications like Part 107 from the FAA. Skills in navigation, safety protocols, and data analysis are also valuable in this field.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial surveying, mapping, or cinematography, especially in industries like oil and gas, construction, or film production. These positions often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. Commercial drone pilots working in high-demand sectors tend to earn the most.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career as an Unmanned Aerial System operator, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight operations, and safety protocols. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States, and develop skills in navigation, maintenance, and data analysis to qualify for roles in industries like surveying, photography, or inspection.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial System vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Aerial SystemDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot license
Work EnvironmentIncludes aircraft, ground control, and software; used in various industriesOperates drones in field or designated areas for filming, inspection, or surveying
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial, research, and public safetyFilmmaking, real estate, agriculture, inspection services

While a drone pilot primarily focuses on operating drones, an Unmanned Aerial System encompasses the entire setup, including hardware, software, and operational procedures. Both roles require similar certifications, but the UAS role often involves broader responsibilities such as system maintenance and data analysis.

What Are Unmanned Aerial System Jobs?

Various industries use unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including agriculture, manufacturing delivery services, oil and gas, first response, and the military. Working with UAS, your responsibilities may involve operating drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, programming flight paths, and providing maintenance and repairs to control devices and other equipment. Your exact duties may vary depending on the position, but you can find opportunities as a systems operator, a systems repairer, a flight observer, or a pilot. You can also become an unmanned aerial systems instructor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Unmanned Aerial System Operator, you need technical proficiency in piloting drones, knowledge of aviation regulations, and often a Part 107 FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and remote sensing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate operations and effective mission outcomes across industries like agriculture, construction, and public safety.

What are Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)?

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) refer to aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. These systems typically include the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground control stations, and communication links between the components. UAS are used for a variety of purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agricultural monitoring, and military operations. They offer advantages like reducing risk to human life, accessing hard-to-reach areas, and providing real-time data. As technology advances, their applications continue to expand across multiple industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operators during field operations?

Unmanned Aerial System operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining situational awareness in complex airspace, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Field operations also require effective troubleshooting of hardware or software issues that may arise unexpectedly. Additionally, UAS operators must coordinate closely with team members and other stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient mission execution while managing multiple tasks under time constraints.
More about Unmanned Aerial System jobs
What cities are hiring for Unmanned Aerial System jobs? Cities with the most Unmanned Aerial System job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs? The most popular types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs are:
What states have the most Unmanned Aerial System jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aerial System jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aerial System jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aerial System jobs are:
Unmanned Aerial System jobs near you
Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - Houston Region

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - Houston Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated Junior UAS Pilot (Drone Pilot) to create and collect both captivating content and high utility industrial inspection data (for our construction and energy service lines). This is a full time hourly position which can expect 35-45 hours per week.

Functions & Responsibilities

Execute scheduled UAS (unmanned aerial systems) missions for Arch Aerial LLC, primarily in industrial settings. Duties and responsibilities include execution of UAS flights, data management, and data transfer. Must be familiar with multi-rotor UAS operation; fixed wing UAS operational experience is a plus. As this is an entry level Junior UAS Pilot role, previous professional UAS Pilot experience is not required, but is highly recommended. Whether a candidate has previous professional UAS Piloting experience or not, training will be conducted by Arch Aerial on Arch Aerial piloting, process, safety, and technical skills for all new hires.

Workload will consist of roughly 35 - 45 hours of operation per week, with opportunities for overtime beyond 40 hours per week. Travel is to be expected, and candidates should understand that duties are often performed outside in Gulf Coast and Southwest climates which include hot and humid conditions. Additional opportunities for piloting work both inside and outside of the Greater Houston area will become available from time-to-time. Opportunities may become available for training as a Junior Data Technician as well. Piloting duties will be conducted in the field, and any administrative or data technician duties require the Junior UAS Pilot to be in-office (i.e. this position is not remote).

We value (i) experience, (ii) a strong and efficient work ethic, and (iii) strong piloting skills, and (iv) integrity more than a specific educational degree.

Requirements

  • Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Must be able to utilize a variety of computer applications including MS Office, and other on-line cloud storage and data transfer tools like Dropbox.
  • Must have a safety-oriented attitude on and off-site.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, staff, customers, and industry.
Highly recommended, but not required:
  • 1 Year of Commercial UAS Piloting Experience (at minimum)
  • Adobe Suite Experience
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Benefits

There are no benefits offered with this position immediately, but the candidate may be eligible for future benefits programs enrollment pursuant to applicable probation periods.