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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

Drone Pilot

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX ยท On-site

$60/day

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions ... utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections. * Experience capturing high-quality ...

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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot information

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$12

$23

$32

How much do utility inspection drone pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility inspection drone pilot in the United States is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Utility Inspection Drone Pilots?

Utility Inspection Drone Pilots are professionals who operate drones to inspect infrastructure such as power lines, pipelines, and communication towers. They use drones equipped with cameras and sensors to capture high-resolution images and data, which help identify maintenance issues or potential hazards. This role requires specialized training in drone operation, knowledge of aviation regulations, and often an FAA Part 107 certification. The work improves safety, efficiency, and accuracy compared to traditional manual inspections.

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

To thrive as a Utility Inspection Drone Pilot, you need strong knowledge of drone operations, FAA Part 107 certification, and an understanding of utility infrastructure. Familiarity with UAV flight planning software, high-resolution cameras, GIS systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate inspections and safety compliance. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting reliable inspections, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting infrastructure safety.

What is the difference between Utility Inspection Drone Pilot vs Utility Line Worker?

AspectUtility Inspection Drone PilotUtility Line Worker
CertificationsFAA drone pilot license, safety trainingApprenticeship, OSHA safety certifications
Work EnvironmentAirborne inspections, remote locationsGround-based, utility poles, and lines
Industry UsageInspection, surveying, maintenanceInstallation, repair, maintenance of power lines

While both roles serve the utility industry, the Utility Inspection Drone Pilot specializes in aerial inspections using drones, requiring FAA certification and safety training. In contrast, the Utility Line Worker performs hands-on work on power lines and infrastructure, often requiring apprenticeships and OSHA certifications. The drone pilot focuses on remote, airborne tasks, whereas the line worker is physically present on-site for repairs and installations.

What are some common challenges Utility Inspection Drone Pilots face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility Inspection Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, navigating complex or obstructed environments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. To address these, pilots should stay up to date with weather forecasts, conduct thorough pre-flight site assessments, and maintain strong communication with ground teams. Additionally, keeping current with FAA regulations and utility company protocols helps ensure safe and efficient inspections. Proactive planning and continuous skills development are key to overcoming these challenges.
More about Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Utility Inspection Drone Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs are:

Drone Pilot

Aerones

Oklahoma City, OK โ€ข On-site

$60/day

Per diem

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location: United States | 100% Travel Required | Fixed Term (3 Months)

AERONES is a global leader in advanced wind turbine maintenance and robotic technologies. We are seeking highly motivated Field Drone Pilots (UAS Pilots) to join our growing U.S. Operations Team.

This role is focused exclusively on performing drone-based inspections of wind turbines and collecting visual data to support blade condition assessments. You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone technology to capture inspection imagery and document turbine conditions.
If you enjoy technology, aviation, travel, and working in the renewable energy industry, this is an exciting opportunity to build a long-term career with a global leader in wind energy services.


What Youโ€™ll Do
In this role, you will travel to wind farms across the United States, with all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by the company.

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions, collecting high-quality visual data, and supporting turbine blade inspection projects. This position does not include wind turbine maintenance, repair, or climbing responsibilities.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to perform wind turbine inspections in accordance with FAA regulations and company procedures.
  • Capture high-resolution images and inspection data of wind turbine blades, towers, and related components.
  • Take manual photographs of blade rotations and turbine conditions as required by inspection protocols.
  • Conduct pre-flight planning, airspace assessments, risk evaluations, and equipment checks.
  • Maintain safe and compliant flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations.\
  • Manage, organize, and upload inspection data, photographs, and reports to company systems.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of completed inspections and field activities.
  • Communicate inspection findings and operational updates to project managers and internal teams.
  • Maintain drone equipment and perform routine inspections to ensure operational readiness.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies, client requirements, and industry standards..

Requirements

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required).
  • Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment.
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to capture high-quality inspection imagery.
  • Experience with data collection, photography, or inspection operations preferred.
  • Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.


Highly Desired:

  • DJI Mavic 3, DJI Matrice, or similar commercial inspection drones.
  • Previous experience conducting infrastructure, utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections.
  • Experience capturing high-quality aerial imagery and inspection data.
  • Familiarity with drone mission planning, flight logging, and data management software.
  • Experience working in renewable energy or wind turbine inspection environments is a plus.


Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and dust.
  • Ability to travel extensively and work in remote field locations.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform field inspection activities for extended periods.
  • Ability to safely wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturer and company guidelines.


Safety-Sensitive Position Requirements:

This is a safety-sensitive position involving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), driving company vehicles, and independent field work at remote wind farm locations.

Employees must be able to safely perform all essential job functions without impairment that could affect judgment, alertness, coordination, decision-making, or operational performance.

Because this role is performed independently with limited supervision, employees must be capable of assessing risks, following established procedures, and responding appropriately to changing site conditions and emergencies.

Candidates must comply with all company, client, FAA, OSHA, and site-specific drug and alcohol policies, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing requirements.

Benefits

What We Offer:

  • Fully paid Travel and Lodging for Projections Nationwide
  • $60 a day Per Diem for Meal & Incidentals
  • Work for a Global Team pioneering the future of wind turbine technology

Aerones is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, National Origin, Age, Disability, Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

AERONES - Build the Future!