Getting a job as an airborne sensor operator requires a variety of skills, training, and certifications, starting with over two months of initial training at classes held in Texas. Trainees then move on to an air force base in Nevada to be upgraded to a technician. This is also called 5-level, and the program includes on-the-job training and another class. This portion lasts about 16 months, and students either stay at this base for their first operational assignment or move elsewhere. After this, you may take advanced training to become a craftsman or 7-level operator. At this level, you are eligible for management positions.

If you are interested in a job related to Sensor Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Sensor Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Sensor Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Airborne Sensor Operator
Salary range: $36,000 - $100,500
Airborne Sensor Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $100,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Airborne Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Uav Sensor Operator Civilian
Salary range: $30,000 - $39,500
Uav Sensor Operator Civilian is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Uav Sensor Operator Civilian jobs pay between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Uav Sensor Operator Civilian job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Mq 9
Salary range: $89,500 - $129,000
Mq 9 is a common job search query. Most salaries for Mq 9 jobs pay between $89,500 (25th percentile) and $129,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Mq 9 job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Mq 9 Pilot
Salary range: $81,500 - $129,500
Mq 9 Pilot is a typical job search query Most salaries for Mq 9 Pilot jobs pay between $81,500 (25th percentile) and $129,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Mq 9 Pilot job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Sensor
Salary range: $50,000 - $71,500
Sensor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Sensor jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $71,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Sensor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Uav Sensor Operator
Salary range: $34,500 - $99,500
Uav Sensor Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Uav Sensor Operator jobs pay between $34,500 (25th percentile) and $99,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Uav Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Flight Safety
Salary range: $50,500 - $60,000
Flight Safety is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Flight Safety jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Flight Safety job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dod Pilot
Salary range: $100,000 - $155,000
Dod Pilot is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Dod Pilot jobs pay between $100,000 (25th percentile) and $155,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Dod Pilot job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Instructor Sensor Operator
Salary range: $53,000 - $72,000
Instructor Sensor Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Instructor Sensor Operator jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Instructor Sensor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Contract Isr Pilot
Salary range: $38,500 - $53,000
Contract Isr Pilot is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Contract Isr Pilot jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Contract Isr Pilot job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Sensor Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Sensor Operator Jobs in 2026