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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Description The Flight Operations Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe operation, mission ... Perform pre-flight inspections and verify aircraft airworthiness and mission readiness * Support ...

MSCCN

UAS Pilot II/I - Kenner, LA

Kenner, LA · On-site

Ensures operational status of UAS equipment by conducting pre- and post-flight inspections and ... In lieu of degree, 2-4 years of flight experience as a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and 200 ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

Ensures operational status of UAS equipment by conducting pre- and post-flight inspections and ... In lieu of degree, 2-4 years of flight experience as a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and 200 ...

Flyability

Drone Pilot & Trainer

Denver, CO · On-site

With more than 130 employees, Flyability is the pioneer in the UAV indoor inspection industry ... Drone Pilot & Trainer (100%) Starting date: as soon as possible Your role: This role will be ...

Flyability

Drone Pilot & Trainer

Denver, CO · On-site

With more than 130 employees, Flyability is the pioneer in the UAV indoor inspection industry ... Drone Pilot & Trainer (100%) Starting date: as soon as possible Your role: This role will be ...

Entergy

UAS Pilot II/I

Kenner, LA · On-site

Ensures operational status of UAS equipment by conducting pre- and post-flight inspections and ... In lieu of degree, 2-4 years of flight experience as a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and 200 ...

Flyability

Drone Pilot & Trainer

Denver, CO · On-site

With more than 130 employees, Flyability is the pioneer in the UAV indoor inspection industry ... Drone Pilot & Trainer (100%) Starting date: as soon as possible Your role: This role will be ...

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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 Aug 6, 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 is a utility inspection drone pilot?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a utility inspection drone pilot?

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 challenges do utility inspection drone pilots face, 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.
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What cities are hiring for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Utility Inspection Drone Pilot job openings:
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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Inspection Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) - West Texas Region

Arch Aerial LLC

Kermit, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Arch Aerial LLC is seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in a Jr. Drone Pilot (Jr. Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot) role to assist and execute drone-based data collection missions focused on aerial mapping data, leak detection data, and other hyper-spectral payload data, primarily on Arch Aerial's customers' energy assets in West Texas and New Mexico. Travel will be required from time to time.
The candidate should expect a majority of in-field work operating unmanned aerial systems. In-field work will be in industrial applications with West Texas (hot) conditions in the summer, and West Texas (cold) conditions in the winter, which are physically demanding.
This is an entry level position with immediate opportunities for training, however previous experience with the DJI M300/M350 specifically, and DJI aircraft in general, are a huge advantage to a candidate. Those with previous experience using leak detection equipment for methane scouting are also highly encouraged to apply.
Students, recent graduates, or those looking to enter the unmanned aerial systems field are appropriate candidates, however skills and requirements are listed further below, and preference will be given to those with the skills listed as primary and secondary traits. Integrity and organizational skills are highly valued (more so than a specific educational degree). This is a full-time position.
FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) will be responsible for:
Primary Duties
  • Assisting (the Operations Manager, Western Region) with the daily collection of drone-based aerial mapping (visible spectrum), drone-based aerial leak detection (methane laser), and drone-based aerial hyper-spectral data (OGI and other payloads).
  • Conducting UAS (drone) operations at construction sites, pipeline right of ways, pump stations, refineries, well pads, and other facilities.
  • Daily and monthly maintenance of drone and ground based equipment, and vehicles.
  • Assisting with daily compiling of inspection reports.
  • Assisting Jr. Data Technicians or Jr. UAS Pilots in the same region. These Jr. Data Technicians and Jr. UAS Pilots will assist both the West Texas region, but also overflow for data from other regions in times of high demand.
  • Assisting with creation, measurement, and delivery any additional reporting.
  • The Drone Pilot (UAS Pilot) applying for this position will also be required from time to time, to assist with daily data delivery for overflow data collected at other regions of the company's operational footprint.
  • Driving to and on Arch Aerial's customers' assets on relevant projects.
  • Assist with Arch Aerial LLC data management initiatives for current work and archival strategies.
  • Being a constant ambassador and sales-minded representative of the company when interacting with peers, other operators, or other service companies in the field.
  • Being a safety-minded operator that protects their own individual safety and the integrity of the equipment they are operating.

Requirements
Primary Requirements:
  • Adobe Acrobat Proficiency
  • Dropbox Proficiency
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  • Windows and Mac OS Proficiency
  • Safety-Minded Attitude
  • Ability and willingness to travel beyond West Texas and NM from time to time.

Secondary Traits (not required but will make the candidate highly competitive)
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Endorsement (current)

Tertiary Traits (not required, and not as important as secondary traits, but may be complimentary traits)
  • DJI M300 Piloting Experience
  • OGI Certification
  • TWIC Card (current)
  • Thermographer I Certification
  • Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
  • Adobe Premiere Proficiency
  • Adobe After Effects Proficiency
  • Ground Photography Proficiency

The ideal candidate will also possess the following character traits:
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organization skills.
  • Highly efficient.
  • Self - starter willing to develop and suggest improvements to process and method to managers when they observe such opportunities.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to create materials that communicate, present and influence credibly and effectively.

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 DJI M300 series experience will be preferred, candidate will have the opportunity to apprentice, train for DJI M300 series experience if not already held.
  • OQ Certification.
  • Methane detection and hyper-spectral payloads.
  • Cloud data management.
  • Photogrammetry.
  • LiDAR

Benefits
Not immediately eligible for benefits. Eligible for optional benefits program effective in the 2027 calendar year if employed with the company with the required amount of time prior to October 1, 2026 and maintaining full-time hours. Additional details provided upon interview.

Apply