ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Unmanned Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survice

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD

$28 - $33/hr

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 ...

GDIT

UAS Pilot - Entry

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Remote Pilot (also known as P107 Operator) | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Experience: 0 + years of related ...

SURVICE Engineering Company

UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

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 ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors.

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle to capture aerial images and videos. This contractor will inspect structures for major insurance ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone missions, managing the technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and adhering to strict ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsUnmanned Pilot Jobs

Unmanned Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do unmanned pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned pilot 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.

What is an unmanned pilot?

Unmanned pilots, also known as drone pilots or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operators, are professionals who remotely control aircraft without an onboard human pilot. They are responsible for operating drones for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, search and rescue, and military operations. Unmanned pilots must have a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, safety procedures, and the technical aspects of drone systems. They often require certification or licensing, depending on the country and type of operation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unmanned pilot?

To thrive as an Unmanned Pilot, you need strong knowledge of aeronautical principles, navigation, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Familiarity with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms, flight planning software, and GPS navigation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe mission execution and teamwork. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and successful mission outcomes.

What are common challenges unmanned pilots face when operating drones in different environments?

Unmanned Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining line-of-sight in complex terrains, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must also be prepared to handle unexpected technical issues and coordinate closely with team members, such as mission planners and data analysts, to achieve successful operations. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential skills for overcoming these challenges and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between Unmanned Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)FAA Part 107 Certification often required
Work EnvironmentField operations, aerial inspections, surveillanceMedia production, surveying, recreational flying
Industry UsageCommercial, industrial, government sectorsMedia, entertainment, hobbyist

Unmanned Pilots and Drone Operators often share certifications like the FAA Part 107. However, Unmanned Pilots typically engage in more complex, operational roles such as aerial inspections and surveillance, while Drone Operators often focus on media production or recreational flying. Both roles are essential in various industries, but Unmanned Pilots usually require more advanced training and experience for commercial applications.

Is there a big demand for unmanned pilots?

Unmanned pilots, also known as drone pilots, are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. The growth of drone technology and regulations has expanded job opportunities, especially for those with certifications and skills in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
More about Unmanned Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Unmanned Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Unmanned Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Unmanned Pilot jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Unmanned Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Unmanned Pilot jobs are:

Unmanned Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

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

Arch Aerial LLC

Plano, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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