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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

Drone Pilot This role operates and supports unmanned aerial systems in live flight and testing ... inspections and reporting. * Troubleshoot technical and operational issues in real time to support ...

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled UAS Drone Pilot to join our team for operations across various sectors, including but not limited to surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture ...

Perform daily inspections, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance to ensure fleet readiness and ... Operate as pilot-in-command or supporting pilot during drone light shows. * Troubleshoot and ...

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... Conduct pre-flight inspections and maintain drone equipment in safe operating condition * Maintain ...

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... Conduct pre-flight inspections and maintain drone equipment in safe operating condition * Maintain ...

... Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ... Conduct drone operations for asset inspections, environmental monitoring, and aerial surveys

... Drone Pilot to support aerial data collection and surveying efforts across transmission and ... Conduct drone operations for asset inspections, environmental monitoring, and aerial surveys

The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ... Conduct pre-flight inspections and maintain drone equipment in safe operating condition * Maintain ...

Drone Pilot

Madison, AL

$60K - $100K/yr

Job Title: Drone Pilot - Group 3 UAS/UAV A Drone Pilot with Group 3 UAS/UAV expertise is ... Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections and documentation. * Collaborate ...

Drone Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Drone Pilot - Group 3 UAS/UAV If interested & qualified, please apply or reach out to Kaitlin with ... Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections and documentation. * Collaborate ...

FulcrumAir Corp, the leader in aerial robotics for the electrical utility industry, is seeking a drone pilot & robot operator who is ready to hit the road and tackle challenging projects across the ...

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 ...

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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot information

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

As of Jul 16, 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:
Infographic showing various Utility Inspection Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting skills, and the ability to analyze aerial data. 

Your key responsibilities will include flying drones for purposes such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and videography.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections.
  • Conduct pre-flight checks and ensure drones are in optimal working condition.
  • Follow all FAA regulations and safety guidelines during drone operations.
  • Plan flight paths and adjust them as necessary based on environmental conditions.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret aerial data for reporting and project needs.
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure project goals are met.
  • Maintain detailed records of flights, including time, locations, and data collected.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drone equipment.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations related to drone operations.
Qualifications:
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or equivalent).
  • Proven experience operating drones in various settings.
  • Strong technical knowledge of drone systems and software (e.g., mapping and modeling software).
  • Excellent spatial awareness and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with specific drone models (e.g., DJI, Parrot).
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry and GIS applications.
  • Previous experience in (e.g., construction, agriculture, film).
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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