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Unmanned Aerial 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 ...

Brevard County

MC Aerial Operations Specialist

Valkaria, FL · On-site

$23.86 - $26.25/hr

Work involves participating in operations utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones; support of manned aerial surveillance, larvicide, adulticide, environmental management, aquatic weed, and ...

Brevard County

MC Aerial Operations Specialist

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$23.86 - $26.25/hr

Work involves participating in operations utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/drones; support of manned aerial surveillance, larvicide, adulticide, environmental management, aquatic weed, and ...

Jobtailor

Director, Unmanned Aerial Systems

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Responsibilities * Leads the UAS Team activity * Engages current team members or adds team members as required * Ensures mutual understanding of each team members' role * Sets project goals and ...

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Unmanned Aerial information

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How much do unmanned aerial jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned aerial in the United States is $192,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $257,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with unmanned aerial vehicles often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing regulations, ensuring safe operation in varying weather conditions, and managing data collected during flights. Proactively keeping up-to-date with local and federal UAV laws, participating in regular training, and using advanced flight planning tools can help address these challenges. Additionally, collaborating closely with team members—such as data analysts and maintenance staff—ensures operational efficiency and data accuracy.

What is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator?

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. Unmanned aerial operators are professionals who control these drones remotely, using specialized equipment or software. Their responsibilities can include aerial photography, surveying land, monitoring crops, inspecting infrastructure, and supporting emergency response. They must follow aviation regulations and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the UAV in various environments.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned AerialDrone Operator
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentField operations, outdoor locations, various industriesField and indoor settings, operating drones for filming, inspections
Industry UsageAerial surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, inspectionFilmmaking, photography, real estate, inspections

Unmanned Aerial and Drone Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in industry applications like surveying and filming. However, 'Unmanned Aerial' is a broader term that can include various unmanned systems, while 'Drone Operator' specifically refers to controlling drones for specific tasks. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and are vital in industries utilizing aerial technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator?

To thrive as a UAV Operator, you need expertise in remote piloting, navigation, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a relevant certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help operators manage missions safely and efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe UAV operations, regulatory compliance, and the successful completion of aerial tasks in various industries.

Is a degree in unmanned aerial systems worth it?

A degree in unmanned aerial systems can enhance job prospects for roles like drone operator or technician by providing technical knowledge of drone design, operation, and regulations. However, practical experience, certifications, and skills often play a significant role in employment opportunities in this field.
More about Unmanned Aerial jobs
What states have the most Unmanned Aerial jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aerial jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aerial jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aerial jobs are:
Unmanned Aerial jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $192,837 per year, or $92.7 per hour.

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

Arch Aerial LLC

Plano, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 26 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 DFW area will become available from time-to-time. 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

  • Primary Requirements:
    • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement
    • 6 Months of Commercial Drone Piloting Experience (full time or 1099)
    • Experience flying multi-rotor UAS
  • Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)
    • TWIC Card
    • Experience with methane detection or optical gas imaging
    • Experience in the construction industry
    • Experience with photo/video editing
    • LiDAR capture / editing experience
  • Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise or Mavic 4 Enterprise Experience
    • DJI M300/M350/M400 Experience
  • Training Opportunities
    • Although candidates with the Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train, and test for the Part 107 UAS Remote Pilot Endorsement if not already held.
    • Although candidates with the DJI M600 experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M600 experience if not already held.
    • OQ Certification.
    • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
    • Cloud data management.
    • Photogrammetry.
    • LiDAR

Benefits

There are no benefits offered with this position but the candidate may be eligible for future benefits programs enrollment in 2026 for the 2027 calendar year.

Apply