ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

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 ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

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 ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$60/day

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 ...

Scout AI

Drone Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

We're hiring a Drone Technician to add bandwidth to that build. You'll spend most of your time assembling drones, building harnesses, and on the integration of mechanical and/or electrical components.

Bear Country Inc

Drone Show Pilot/Driver

Caledonia, WI · On-site

Drone Show Pilot and Driver Northern Lights Drone Show is looking for a Drone Show Pilot and Driver. We are a rapidly growing business that offers one of the few drone shows on demand in the United ...

Bear Country Inc

Drone Show Designer

Caledonia, WI

Northern Lights Drone Shows is seeking a Drone Show Designer that's excited to bring captivating visual spectacles to audiences across the nation. We are a rapidly growing business that offers one of ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Denton, TX · On-site

$60/day

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 ...

Aerones

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

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 ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone OperatorFull-timeSalary DOEDescription:St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the creation ...

T3i, Inc.

Drone/FPV Instructor

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site

T3i is seeking part-time instructors with a minimum of 1 year of FPV drone flight experience to teach and mentor students in this high-tempo, tactical FPV program. Instructors will conduct classroom ...

Rumple

Videographer & Drone Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Videographer & Drone Operator Full-time Salary DOE Description: St. George News is seeking a full-time Videographer & Drone Operator to join our video production team. This position supports the ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsDrone Jobs

drone information

See salary details

$17

$20

$25

How much do drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone in the United States is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone?

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. They are commonly used for a variety of applications including aerial photography, agriculture, surveying, delivery services, infrastructure inspection, and even emergency response. Drones can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight plans and sensors. Their versatility and ability to access hard-to-reach areas have made them valuable tools across many industries.

What are careers in the drone industry?

Careers in the drone industry include drone pilots, software or hardware designers, and positions that analyze and assess the data acquired by drones. As a drone pilot, you can work in a variety of fields, including the mapping, real estate, construction, photography and film production, and military industries. Your responsibilities differ depending on the industry, but your general duties are to operate the drone and return the data to your supervisor. As a designer, you typically only work for drone manufacturers. Your goal is to either improve existing products or produce new drones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need expertise in piloting drones, understanding airspace regulations, and often a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent licensing. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators adapt to changing environments and coordinate with teams. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Drone operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and navigating complex airspace regulations. To manage these, operators need to conduct thorough pre-flight checks, stay updated on local regulations, and maintain open communication with their team. Additionally, ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for ensuring both the drone's integrity and the successful completion of missions.

What is the difference between Drone vs Photographer?

AspectDronePhotographer
Required CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification (for commercial use), drone operation trainingPhotography certifications (e.g., CPP), portfolio
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial locations, remote areasIndoor studios, outdoor scenes, various locations
Industry UsageReal estate, filmmaking, surveyingEvents, portraits, commercial shoots

Both drones and photographers require specialized skills and certifications. Drones focus on aerial imaging and often involve remote operation, while photographers capture images from the ground. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their visual needs.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career as a drone operator, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight regulations, and safety procedures. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license if operating commercially in the United States, and develop skills in remote piloting, photography, or videography depending on your focus. Gaining practical experience through training programs or personal practice is also essential.

How much can you get paid for drone work?

Drone operators can earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Freelance pilots or those working for companies may also charge per project, with rates varying accordingly. Certification and specialized skills can lead to higher pay in this field.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Yes, there is increasing demand for drone operators across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations are particularly sought after as drone usage expands in commercial applications.

What careers can you do with drones?

Careers with drones include roles such as drone pilot, aerial photographer, videographer, surveyor, inspector, and data analyst. These jobs often require knowledge of drone operation, FAA certification, and skills in photography, surveying, or data processing, depending on the industry sector. Drones are used in fields like agriculture, construction, filmmaking, real estate, and public safety.
More about drone jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone jobs?

Cities with the most Drone job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs?

The most popular types of Drone jobs are:

What states have the most Drone jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drone jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone jobs are:

drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,166 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

UAS Drone Pilot

TSMG

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

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, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. 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 regulatory standards across the United States.

This position requires a deep technical understanding of drone technology, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on precision operations in both urban and rural environments. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute complex drone missions in accordance with operational goals, ensuring optimal flight safety and data quality.
  • Perform manual and autonomous flight operations using a variety of drone systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, GIS mapping tools).
  • Oversee the collection of high-resolution aerial data (e.g., images, video, 3D models, thermal imagery) during flight missions.
  • Ensure proper storage and security of data collected during flights, complying with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
  • Perform basic post-processing tasks (e.g., georeferencing, stitching, creating flight logs) and work with external software platforms (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft).
  • Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, including batteries, sensors, camera systems, and communication links.
  • Provide comprehensive mission reports, including flight logs, data analysis, and actionable insights for clients.
Qualifications:
  • Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permission, including Part 107, Part 135 (if applicable), and any specific local or state requirements.
  • Minimum 3 years of professional drone piloting experience in complex operations.
  • Extensive experience with drone platforms such as DJI Matrice, Phantom, Inspire, or custom-built UAS.
  • Proven track record of flying drones for commercial applications in sectors like surveying, mapping, infrastructure inspection, or agriculture.
  • Experience in working within restricted airspace and coordinating with aviation authorities (ATC).
  • Strong knowledge of geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Pix4D, Agisoft) and drone flight management tools (e.g., DJI Terra, Litchi).
  • Expertise in flying drones in diverse environments (urban, rural, industrial, hazardous).
  • Strong knowledge of drone flight systems, payloads (e.g., LiDAR, RGB cameras, multispectral sensors), and sensor calibration.
  • Familiarity with international regulations regarding drone operations, especially in the United States.
  • Problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues in the field.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for mission planning, data management, and safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High proficiency in data post-processing techniques and software tools (e.g., photogrammetry, georeferencing).
  • A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Willingness to travel frequently across US for client projects and site-specific operations.
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.