Are you looking for lucrative drone jobs available to UAV operators in the United States? Do you want to discover the hottest drone pilot jobs in demand?
If you’re nodding along, then get ready for a treat!
In this article, we’ll talk about the most promising drone operator jobs available in the market and how to take the first step toward landing your dream job.
There are a multitude of opportunities available as a drone pilot. And they are constantly expanding.
The global drone market is expected to grow from 26.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 to 41.3 billion U.S. dollars by 2026.
The trend of drone market size worldwide from 2021 to 2026 (Source: Statista)
The most prevalent list of drone careers is – aerial photography and surveying, search and rescue operations, inspections, crop monitoring, disaster relief logistics, and mapping.
Before we dive into the various drone pilot jobs in demand, let’s start with the basics and understand the various roles of a drone pilot.
What Does a Drone Pilot Do?
- Operate unmanned aerial vehicles for capturing aerial photos and videos, monitoring crops, and inspecting buildings and structures.
- Ensure the safe and effective operation of the drone while adhering to all applicable laws and regulations governing UAVs.
- Responsible for maintaining your drone, performing routine checks, and replacing components as needed.
- Collaboration and communication skills are important, as you may work with other professionals like photographers or surveyors on projects.
- Being a drone pilot also requires quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and good judgment to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during a flight.
Whether you are looking for a full-time drone career or a side hustle on the weekends, the first step is to get your FAA Part 107 certification. This certification is essential for all aspiring drone pilots in the United States.
Besides that, you should think about getting formal drone training in aerial photography, videography, or mapping. Once you develop the necessary skills, you can start with an entry-level drone pilot job.
If you have some experience under your belt and you’re ready to search for a drone operator job, it’s imperative to know the professions and industries that are looking for drone pilots.
Section I: Which Industries/Professions Offer Drone Pilot Jobs?
Right from capturing stunning aerial footage for the media and entertainment industry to providing insights through aerial inspections in construction and agriculture, the possibilities for drone operator jobs are vast and diverse.
So, let’s dig in.
1. Drone Jobs in Real Estate
Real estate is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent industries that hire drone pilots. The primary goal is to work with realtors who represent and sell high-end properties.
Aerial photography and videography are essential for marketing properties, and drones provide a unique perspective that can make listings stand out.
Real estate agents and property owners are constantly seeking different angles and perspectives to showcase properties, and that’s where drone operators come in.
Your job as a real estate drone pilot is to capture aerial stills and videos of a property for sale, which the real estate agent will use in marketing and promotion.
To get drone flying jobs in real estate, you must have the skills to capture smooth videos and incredible photos from your eyes in the sky. Once you acquire the right skills, you can offer your services to clients and help market their properties effectively.
Versatility of Drone Work in Real Estate
There is a wide range of missions that UAV pilots typically fly, such as:
- Property listings
- Complexes and shopping centers
- Various resort facilities
- Golf courses
Drone operator jobs in the real estate industry offer incredible versatility, and drone pilots with a vast array of opportunities to engage in diverse projects for their clients. These positions provide not only flexibility but also the invaluable experience necessary for success.
Earning Potential in Real Estate UAS Jobs
Starting as an entry-level drone operator, you may initially charge lower rates. However, as you gain more experience and a foothold in this space, you will earn much better salaries and a lot more opportunities will open up for you.
In this industry, the average salary of a drone pilot is $80,957. So, if you’re looking for drone operator jobs in the real estate industry, building a solid reputation as a skilled pilot will increase your chances of landing lucrative opportunities.
2. Drone Jobs in Construction
The use of drones in construction has increased exponentially in a few years, making this industry one of the fastest commercial drone users.
And it’s not without reason.
According to Fact.MR, the projected valuation of the global construction drone services market is anticipated to reach US$ 1145.2 million by 2023. Furthermore, during the forecast period, this market is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.4%, reaching a market value of US$ 9376 million by the end of 2033.
Source: Fact.MR
A typical commercial construction project runs 20 months behind schedule and it inflates by nearly 80%.
The use of drones in construction brings considerable advantages for companies in the industry.
UAV operators are helping construction firms save significant amounts of money by taking surveys that assist them across the lifecycle of the construction project.
It includes – stockpiling volume and location, monitoring project development progress in remote locations, and reviewing critical site safety issues. Drones have brought unprecedented cost savings and human safety in the construction industry.
This boom in the construction industry has opened up some really interesting opportunities to join UAV operators such as
Site Selection: You can fly to a prospective site for the most updated view of the property and help with site selection and planning.
Zoning Meetings: Zoning meetings can be a tough task and it can cause unwanted delays. You can use drone data and send it to the zoning board thereby speeding up the process.
Legal Protection and Documentation: You can document the conditions of the roads by creating a map or doing a video. That way the construction team is aware of the site before the trucks and heavy equipment show up.
Construction Monitoring and Management: Construction contractors can get the most updated high-resolution maps of their job sites for better site monitoring and overall site management.
Construction Progression: You can import the most up-to-date site plan to the drone map and compare the designs to reality – in both 2D and 3D. This can help construction companies accurately track the actual construction progress. It’s also a great way to keep interested parties, such as investors, apprised of the progress.
A construction firm may survey a huge region with a drone, process the data using specialized software, and determine where all of its materials are or where work may be falling behind.
Additionally, drones play a vital role in project planning, providing aerial data that helps construction companies determine suitable construction zones and potential limitations. Drones offer a faster and safer alternative because they can cover larger areas more efficiently and effectively.
Drone Work in the Construction Industry
UAV pilots working in construction typically fly a variety of different missions, including pre-building site inspections of the earth, possible drainage spots, and other factors to determine the best places to build, dig, or stockpile materials.
These types of missions require UAV operators to have a solid understanding of industry regulations and best practices when it comes to aerial data collection.
Whether you’re working for a large company or a small startup, there is plenty of demand for UAV pilot jobs in this industry.
Earning Potential in Construction UAS Jobs
If you’re interested in UAV jobs, the construction industry offers a lucrative opportunity for drone pilots. On average, a drone pilot working in construction can earn an annual salary of $78,110.
However, this figure may vary based on factors such as experience, skill level, and job responsibilities.
If you are just starting in this field, you may be able to command an hourly rate of $50, which could increase as you gain more experience and develop your skills. For highly skilled drone pilots offering more complex deliverables, hourly rates can reach as high as $250 to $500.
3. Drone Jobs in Mining and Aggregates
Mining and aggregates companies are swiftly recognizing the potential of drones and incorporating them into their operations in a variety of ways.
In the mining industry, drones play an important role in performing tasks such as mapping, surveying, and safety inspections.
While the aggregates industry uses drones for tasks such as stockpile management, progress monitoring, and quality control.
A mining or aggregate firm can see which locations are better or worse for digging and stockpiling materials using a 3D map generated from aerial data.
A drone can collect the same amount of data in less than 20 minutes which would take a person on foot hours to accomplish. Also, drones eliminate the need for personnel to enter potentially hazardous locations to gather data.
The benefits of using drones in mining or aggregate industries include high efficiency, low costs, and more safety.
Potential of Drone Work in the Mining and Aggregates Industry
UAS operators working in mining or aggregates typically fly a variety of different missions, including site surveys, progress monitoring, and safety inspections.
In the measurement of stockpiles of earth, sand, clay, or other aggregate materials, monitoring progress plays a crucial role. By using photos, videos, and maps, stakeholders can visually track and assess the amount of work completed at a specific site.
With the right training and experience, you can become a valuable asset on any mining or aggregates team.
Earning Potential in Mining and Aggregates UAS Jobs
As a drone pilot, you can potentially earn anywhere between $50 and $500+ per hour. Of course, the actual pay rate will depend on where you’re located, the drone job requirement, and your piloting skills.
The average salary of a UAV operator in this industry is $78,110. However, if you’re good at what you do and have lots of experience, you could even make more than $100,000 per year!
The key to earning the highest pay is to continuously develop your skills and gain more experience in the industry. By doing so, you’ll position yourself to take on more challenging drone flying jobs, which can lead to higher pay rates and open up more opportunities for you.
4. Drone Jobs in Filmmaking
In recent years, the use of drones in filmmaking has become increasingly popular. Simply because they offer a unique perspective that breathes life into any film sequence.
Not only are drones considerably more cost-effective than helicopters, but they also offer enhanced versatility. Unlike helicopters, drones do not entail the same operational or insurance expenses.
Furthermore, opting for drones over helicopters eliminates the risk of potential harm to pilots. As a result, the demand for skilled drone operators in the film industry continues to rise steadily, providing more work for UAV operators in the film industry.
According to drone operators working in the film industry, most of their work comes from specific projects. In these projects, film productions hire drone pilots to capture aerial shots of chase sequences or locations. However, they typically do not remain on staff for the entire duration of a shoot.
The film industry actively employs drones for a range of purposes, such as establishing shots, following action, capturing aerial footage, and performing tasks that are difficult or unsafe to perform by conventional methods.
Drone Work in Film Production
There are a variety of different types of missions that UAV pilots can fly in the film industry.
- Some common mission types include aerial images and videography, cinematic shots.
- Aerial photography typically involves taking pictures or videos of a specific location from a drone.
- Cinematic shots involve capturing more complex, artistic footage using a drone.
- Aerial footage for chase scenes, fight scenes, and other action sequences.
As a professional involved in drone operator jobs within the film industry, it is important to be familiar with all of these areas of drone work and to be comfortable flying your drone in different conditions and scenarios.
Earning Potential in Film Industry UAS Jobs
On average, a drone pilot in the film industry earns around $78,110 per year, while the hourly rate ranges from $200 to $500 depending on work type. However, salaries can vary depending on the specific UAV operator job you pursue.
When it comes to freelance drone jobs, UAV operators have the advantage of potentially earning more compared to those employed by a specific company or studio. Experienced drone operators who take on larger projects can tap into higher earning potentials in the freelance drone jobs market.
As an additional revenue stream, you can charge a “rental fee” to the production company for using your equipment.
Check out this in-depth video on how you can get work from a big production house like Netflix:
5. Drone Jobs in Public Safety
Public safety officials use drones for a variety of purposes such as search and rescue operations, firefighting, disaster relief logistics, and much more.
According to a study from Bard’s Center for the Study of the Drone, over 1500 public safety organizations are using drones as of March 2020. This figure nearly doubles the count recorded in mid-2018, indicating a continuous upward trend.
Commonly, drone pilot jobs in public safety include search and rescue drone operators, disaster relief drone pilots, or wildlife conservation drone pilots. Many of these are part-time depending on when the need arises, but they can be rewarding both financially and emotionally.
Law enforcement has also been using drones to build 3-D maps of high-traffic locations, which they may use to assist with evacuation during a crisis, such as an active shooter incident.
Both police and fire departments use drones in the aftermath of natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes. They use drones to find people who need help and to assess the extent of the damage. This helps them allocate their resources effectively to the areas that need them the most.
While firefighters use drones to enhance their situational awareness during fires. They also use drones to create orthomosaic maps of local schools and other buildings/facilities. This helps firefighters identify all the exit points, ensuring they have a clear view of the safest escape routes in case of a fire.
The ability to use drones in public safety may vary considerably based on the purpose.
To get started in this field, you may need to complete specialized training or certification programs. It’s important to acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed for working with drones in public safety. Having a background in a related industry can be beneficial too.
To be a successful drone pilot in public safety, you need strong communication skills and need to be familiar with the latest technologies and drone regulations. You also need to equip yourself with safety procedures for flying drones in high-risk situations.
Drone Work in Public Safety
There are a variety of different types of missions that UAV operators in public safety typically fly such as:
- Mapping of the crime scene
- Search and rescue operations
- Accident investigation and traffic management
- The aftermath of a disaster
- Emergency services
Drones in the public safety industry are generally used in various missions, including
Search and Rescue Operations:
One of the most common types of missions flown by public safety UAV pilots is search and rescue operations. In these situations, drones can quickly and efficiently locate missing persons in difficult-to-reach areas.
Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras allow UAV pilots to locate missing persons even in dark, foggy, or otherwise challenging conditions.
Disaster Relief Logistics:
Another common mission type for public safety UAS operators is disaster relief logistics. In these situations, drones can be an asset in transporting supplies and equipment to areas affected by a natural disaster.
This can be particularly valuable in situations where roads and other infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, making traditional methods of transportation inaccessible.
Wildlife Conservation:
In addition to search and rescue operations and disaster relief logistics, another common type of mission flown by public safety UAS operators is wildlife conservation.
Drones can make detailed maps of natural habitats, track animal populations, identify illegal poaching activities, and more.
Earning Potential in Public Safety UAS Jobs
There is a lot of potential for drone operator jobs in the public safety field to earn a good income.
While salaries will vary depending on your specific role and responsibilities, you can typically expect to pursue a career in drone flying jobs to earn a salary of $49,000-$102,000 per year as a public safety UAV pilot.
6. Drone Pilot Jobs in Insurance
Generally insurance companies use drones to create 3D maps of properties. This helps them to assess risk and calculate premiums more accurately.
Typically, Insurance companies often receive multiple claims for roof damage after severe weather occurs in a particular area. In the past, they would send an insurance inspector or adjuster to physically visit each location, climb a ladder, and take photographs of the roofs.
However, with the use of drones, a skilled drone pilot can take pictures of a damaged roof in 20-30 minutes by flying a pre-planned pattern over it and get all the footage needed to evaluate an insurance claim.
This type of work is simple and in high demand, as it is a quick, cost-effective alternative to manual inspections.
Applications of Drones in Insurance Work
Some of the most common types of missions include damage assessment, property inspection for the purpose of documenting risk and/or an asset, mapping, and even surveying.
- Damage assessment missions involve flying drones over an area that has been damaged by a natural disaster or accident, such as a forest fire, hurricane, or severe storm.
- Property inspection missions involve flying drones over buildings, homes, and other types of property to assess the damage and create detailed reports for insurance companies.
- Mapping missions involve using specialized drone imaging software to create high-quality maps and 3D models that insurance companies can use to assess the risk and value of properties.
- Surveying missions involve flying drones over large areas to collect data that can be used for land surveying and planning activities.
Overall, UAV pilots play an important role in the insurance industry by helping companies to assess damages, inspect properties, and gather valuable data on a range of different areas.
If you are interested in becoming a drone pilot in the insurance industry, Drone U membership offers comprehensive courses and training available 24×7.
Additionally, many insurance companies offer drone pilot internships or apprenticeship opportunities that can help you to build your skills and gain real-world experience.
Earning Potential in Insurance UAS Jobs
As the demand for drone services increases in various industries, UAS pilot jobs have become more abundant and lucrative. As a beginner UAS pilot, you can expect an average hourly salary between $60 and $200, based on your skills and experience.
The average earning of a UAV pilot in the insurance industry is $94,051. However, experienced UAS pilots with specialized skills can earn significantly higher salaries and may also receive performance-based incentives or bonuses.
7. Drone Operator Jobs in Journalism
Drones are revolutionizing the way we understand and consume news. The war in Ukraine serves as a clear example of how drones have become a frequent tool in the field of journalism.
Journalists are using drones to offer a fresh perspective on stories. Aerial stills and video footage captured by drones can enhance news coverage by adding more detail and drama.
What makes drones truly special is their ability to capture scenes that were previously out of reach. They offer a unique viewpoint that traditional methods of photography and videography cannot match.
Drones are providing a new way to capture newsworthy events and stories. With aerial shots captured by drones, we can see the damage caused by floods, the size of crowds, and the extent of wildfires in new ways.
One thing to bear in mind about using drones for journalism is that there is a wide range of applications and degrees of quality required. Having the most advanced camera available may not be as crucial for breaking news or disaster coverage as having the footage in the first place.
On the other hand, if you’re attempting to capture an artistic still for a longer video-based narrative that you’ll be assisting to cover, you may want a more expensive drone with a customizable payload. That way you can attach your own high-end camera and get the greatest shots feasible.
Applications of Drones in Journalism Work
Some of the most common types of missions that drone operator jobs in the journalism industry can undertake include
- Surveillance responsibilities
- Traffic reports
- Mapping support
- Filming disasters—fires, floods, storms, hurricanes, twisters, and other calamities.
- Live reporting of shooting incidents, hostage situations, collapsed buildings, and other live events. These scenarios can be quite sensitive in nature and require the pilot to use caution and potentially discretion when filming in these environments.
- Photojournalism – capturing high-quality stills and videos for the purpose of telling a visual story.
Earning Potential of UAS Jobs in the Journalism Industry
According to Payscale, the beginning salary for journalism students is about $35,000 a year on average. While photojournalists earn approximately $30,000 and news anchors make around $50,000 per year.
However, for those interested in drone flying jobs in journalism, the salary potential can be much higher. UAS pilots in the journalism industry with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience can expect to earn an annual salary of $78,110 on average.
But, as with any drone career, the income potential will depend on various factors such as your experience level, skills, and the specific industry you work in. It is important to continually gain more experience and stay up-to-date with the latest technology and industry developments.
Networking with other professionals in the industry can also help open up new opportunities for these jobs.
8. Drone Jobs in Agriculture
According to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the agricultural industry is expected to be the largest market for drone applications in the coming years.
The agricultural industry is one of the most promising markets for UAS operators, and there are plenty of opportunities available for those with the right skills and training.
As a drone pilot in the agricultural industry, you have to be familiar with the multiple software tools and resources used for data analysis and management.
In the agriculture industry, you can work as a drone operator for a farm or ranch, or you can provide consulting services to agricultural businesses.
You can also start your own drone-based business, offering services such as crop mapping, scouting, or monitoring.
A Normalized Difference Vegetation Index map, often known as an NDVI map, is one of the most common outputs given by a drone pilot to a farmer. These maps can be used to identify what plant is growing where on a piece of property and also how well each one is doing.
Source: USGS
On top of flying skills, you need great decision-making abilities when it comes to identifying potential crop issues or hazards.
Types of Work in Agriculture That Involves Drone Technology
There are a number of different types of missions that UAV operators typically fly in the agriculture industry, including crop scouting, crop mapping, and livestock monitoring.
- Crop scouting involves flying over fields to identify potential issues or hazards such as pest or disease infestations, nutrient deficiencies, plant stress, or other concerns.
- Crop mapping involves using drone imagery to create detailed maps of crop health and performance, which can help optimize land management and improve yields.
- Livestock monitoring involves using drones to keep track of livestock activity and behavior, such as grazing patterns or heat stress in animals.
- Irrigation Monitoring: Drones with thermal cameras installed can assist in identifying irrigation concerns or areas that are getting too little or excessive water.
- Soil and Field Analysis: It is feasible to detect soil quality, nutrient management, and soil dead zones using 3D maps of existing soils.
This data can be used to calculate the most effective planting patterns, water usage, and nutrient management.
Earning Potential of UAS Jobs in the Agriculture Industry
If you want an exciting drone career without too much competition, you should think about becoming a UAS operator in the agricultural industry. Farmers are starting to realize the benefits of using drones in their work, thus the demand for drone technology in agriculture is continuously increasing.
As a drone pilot in the agricultural industry, you can expect to earn an average hourly rate of $160/hr.
The salary for drone pilots working in the agricultural industry is $77,123. However, the actual pay will vary depending on several factors, including your level of experience and training, the size and type of business you work for, and your specific job responsibilities.
With the increasing need for precision farming and crop monitoring, the demand for skilled UAS pilots will only continue to grow.
9. Drone Pilot Jobs in Transportation
Drone usage is on the rise in the transportation sector.
In a 2019 study by AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), they found that in 36 out of 50 states (72%), Departments of Transportation funded centers or programs for drone pilot jobs.
The use of drones in transportation is an area of growing interest. UAVs have the potential to revolutionize the way we move people and goods around, making transportation more efficient and less expensive.
Traditionally, an inspector would have to walk the track and note any abnormalities one by one.
These inspections can now be done much more quickly and provide information securely using drones.
BNSF Railway was one of the first private partners of the FAA’s Pathfinder Program, performing research on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights for railway inspections.
You can use drones in transportation to revolutionize package delivery, provide seamless taxi services, and even introduce cutting-edge solutions for public transport.
To be successful as a drone pilot in the transportation sector, you will require solid technical skills and knowledge of aviation regulations.
Types of UAS Work in the Transportation Industry
There are a number of different types of work that UAV operators can perform within the transportation industry, including:
Inspecting railway ties and tracks to detect difficulties before they become worse is an important task.
Monorails—Inspecting and assessing concrete support beams, rails, and other essential components.
Mitigating the dangers of rock falls, landslides, and floods by leveraging drone data.
Whether you’re providing package delivery services for businesses or transporting passengers in public transit applications, there are many exciting opportunities to explore in the field of drone-powered transportation.
Earning Potential of UAS Jobs in the Transportation Industry
On average, UAV pilots working in transportation can expect to earn $$78,110 per year.
According to the AASHTO’s study, mentioned above, a drone pilot may make $100 per hour conducting transportation inspections.
For transparency, we’re taking this number from the AASHTO’s announcement that inspections that formerly required $4,600 and 16 hours of labor can now be completed in 2 hours for just $250 (with $50 going to rental equipment/data collection costs).
10. Drone Pilot Jobs in Energy
Drones are a game-changing technology in the field of power line and solar panel inspections for energy firms.
For energy professionals looking to incorporate drones into their work, numerous opportunities exist. Companies in the energy industry hire UAS operators to conduct various tasks, including aerial photography and videography, surveying and mapping, pipeline monitoring, logistics for oil spill cleanup, and more.
One point worth noticing is that the Federal Aviation Administration is allowing, through their waiver system, energy firms to conduct BVLOS flights, which are normally prohibited by Part 107 regulations, to inspect larger areas in less time.
BVLOS, which stands for Beyond Visual Line of Sight, refers to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones beyond the typical range where the pilot can visually observe them.
In April of 2018, the FAA issued the first BVLOS waiver to an energy company, Xcel Energy, for use in inspecting power lines outside Denver, Colorado. Xcel also announced that, following the completion of their mission in Colorado, they would expand BVLOS inspections to additional states throughout the United States.
As the FAA approves more BVLOS waivers for energy companies, drone work in the sector is poised to expand rapidly, as it will soon be possible for UAV operators to perform more inspections by acquiring more energy firms’ BVLOS exemptions.
To secure a drone operator job in this industry, you’ll need technical expertise in power lines, solar panels, and other energy-related infrastructure inspections.
In general, during these inspections, UAV operators identify regions that require maintenance so that difficulties may be detected early and addressed.
To land a job in power line inspections, knowledge of aerial thermography is required. Magnetic interference generated by power lines may also affect your flight controller and make flying difficult. When conducting aerial inspections, a safe distance of at least 100 feet should be maintained from any power line, and if possible, flying between power lines should be avoided.
Types of Drones Work in Energy
Drone operator jobs in the energy industry offer a wide range of tasks and opportunities for UAV pilots.
To succeed in energy-related drone missions, it is important to be detail-oriented, efficient, and safety-conscious.
Some examples of related drone-based work include:
- Solar panel inspections—Searching for flaws or damages in solar panels using aerial thermography.
- Wind turbines—Using aerial data to assess the condition of wind turbines.
- Power lines—Searching for cut or damaged power lines using aerial data.
- Pipelines—Finding leaks or cracks in pipelines using aerial data.
- Inspect stations, support beams, and other infrastructure associated with the items mentioned above using aerial data.
Earning Potential of UAS Jobs in the Energy Industry
The salary for UAS pilots in the energy industry varies depending on many factors, including your level of experience, specific job duties, and other factors.
However, most UAS pilots can expect to earn between $61,000-$102,000 per year or more depending on their skills, experience, and location.
11. Drone Operator Jobs in Telecommunications
Drone operators are transforming the way inspections are conducted in the telecommunications industry. Instead of sending a person up the tower, operators use drones to conduct surveys and inspections in a fraction of the time. This not only saves costs but also ensures safety.
The use of drones in the telecommunications industry is rapidly expanding, with their applications ranging from cell tower inspection and network maintenance to equipment installation.
It’s vital to understand what to check for when performing cell tower inspections and surveys.
AT&T has been employing drones for cell tower inspections for a while now, and Verizon sees a lot of potential in the drone sector that they bought Skyward, a drone firm, in 2017.
The electromagnetic radiation given off by communication towers can cause your drone to crash if you fly too close (i.e., closer than 100 feet). It’s important to be a highly competent pilot and be able to snap photos from a long distance (using Zoom) to work as a telecommunications UAV operator.
One of the main advantages of using drones for telecommunications is that it allows workers to access hard-to-reach areas without putting themselves in danger. For example, instead of climbing,g a cell tower to inspect it for damage, a drone can do the same job much more quickly and safely.
In addition, you can also use drones to transport small parts and equipment to remote locations, saving time and money.
As the use of drones in the telecommunications industry continues to grow, there will be an increasing demand for qualified drone operators.
Type of Drone Operator Jobs in the Telecommunication Industry
Telecommunications work offers a variety of opportunities for UAS pilots. Some of the most common types of missions that drone operators fly in this field include:
- Cell tower inspections
- Network maintenance
- Radio tower inspections
- Equipment installation
Whether you are interested in dock management, emergency services, or environmental resource protection, there are many exciting opportunities available for UAS pilots like you in the telecommunications industry.
Earning Potential of UAS Jobs in the Telecommunications Industry
UAV operators in the telecommunications industry can expect to earn a competitive salary.
Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a drone pilot in the United States is $75,849 per year.
While a single tower climbs for inspection purposes might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the inspection.
However, your exact salary will depend on factors such as your experience level, the company you work for, and the specific drone software platforms that you use. With the right combination of technical skills and communication abilities, you can build a successful career as a drone pilot in the telecommunications industry.
12. Education Field for Drone Operator Jobs
As a drone pilot, you have the unique opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on education.
Credit: FFA
Whether you are supporting classroom learning with new technology or performing research that advances our understanding of educational practices and trends, there are many ways for UAV pilots to contribute to this industry. UAVs offer versatile applications for a wide range of instructional topics that cater to the interests of both instructors and students.
In science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has grown. This implies that UAV training should be incorporated into STEM education at a greater rate.
A few common roles for drone operators in this field include providing support for classroom instruction, conducting research on educational practices, and developing new applications for UAS technology in this industry.
A recent study in Michigan found that only 37% of 131 surveyed secondary agriculture, food, and natural resources teachers had incorporated UAVs into their curriculum. This was attributed to a lack of subject familiarity or access to technology because of funding constraints.
Regulations for UAVs restrict who can legally fly a UAV and the flight location. For example, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all UAVs over 0.55 pounds to be registered, and the UAVs must be flown at or below 400 feet within sight of the pilot.
While educational drone flights are exempt from additional restrictions under rule 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 107, all students must complete an aeronautical knowledge and safety course and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which is available online at no cost.
The following are some of the top college drone programs that we’re aware of:
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Kansas State Polytechnic
- University of North Dakota
Apps / Curriculum Resources for Using Drones in Education Field
There are a variety of apps and curriculum resources available for drone pilots looking to use their skills.
Some popular options include the Remote Pilot Ground School app, which helps students prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam, and the Aerial Robotics Curriculum, which provides detailed lesson plans and activities for teaching drone technology in the classroom.
Other useful resources include DroneBlocks, which provides STEM and practical application of drone technology through apps, drone coding curriculum, simulator, and professional development. the DroneDeploy app, which allows users to generate and share 3D maps and models, and the Flight Projector app, which enables users to project a live feed of their drone’s camera onto a classroom screen.
Earning Potential of Drone Pilot Jobs in the Education Industry
There is no single answer to this question, as income can vary depending on a number of factors such as your experience and skill level, the type of work you are doing, and the size and needs of the organization or institution where you are working.
That said, many drone pilots are able to earn a comfortable salary and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that their work is making a difference in the lives of others.
Depending on how long you’ve been at your drone operator job and where you reside, a middle school teacher may make around $69,351 per year. It might be more than twice that if you’re a college professor at an elite institution.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a drone pilot in this industry, be sure to research the salary expectations for your particular niche and location.
Now that you are equipped with the most lucrative drone careers, let’s take one step further and dig deeper into the applications of drones across industries.
This will be super helpful in your drone job search and help prepare you for the specific industry.
In the following sections, you will find some valuable information on drones and the corresponding software based on the industry.
Section II: Drone Recommendations for UAV Pilot Jobs Based on Industry
| Industry | Suggested Drone |
| Real Estate | DJI Mavic 3, DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 |
| Construction | DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Yuneec’s H520, ZeroZero V-Cptr Falcon |
| Mining or Aggregates | DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Matrice series |
| Film Industry | DJI Inspire 2, DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, Mavic 3, and FreeFly Alta |
| Public Safety Industry | Parrot ANAFI USA, DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, DJI Matrice 300 RTK, DJI’s Matrice 300 |
| Insurance Field | Mavic 2 Zoom, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Yuneec Typhoon H, and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro |
| Journalism Industry | DJI Mavic 3, Inspire 2, FreeFly Alta, the Parrot Disco, and the Yuneec Typhoon H520 |
| Agriculture | DJI Agras T40, DJI Agras MG-1, SenseFly eBee SQ, DJI Drone with NDVI Camera, Sentera’s NDVI Single Sensor |
| Transportation Industry | Yuneec Q500 Typhoon 4K, Yuneec H520, DJI Phantom series, and DJI Matrice 300 |
| Energy Industry | Skydio X2, Inspire 2 with Zoom lens, Yuneec Typhoon H520, DJI’s Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, DJI Matrice 300, and Parrot Bebop 2 FPV |
| Telecommunication Industry | DJI Phantom 4, DJI’s Matrice 300 |
| Education Field | DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, the DJI Mavic 3, the Mavic Air 2, and the DJI Tello |
Section III. Drone Software Recommendations for UAV Pilot Jobs Based on Industry
| Industry | Suggested Software |
| Real Estate | DJI Go4, Litchi, UAV Forecast and 3DR Site Scan |
| Construction | Pix4Dcapture, DJI Terra, Propeller, DroneDeploy, and Site Scan |
| Mining or Aggregates | Propeller, Delair.ai, Pix4Dmapper, DroneDeploy, and Site Scan |
| Film Industry | Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and DroneDeploy |
| Public Safety Industry | DJI Terra, Pix4DMapper, DJI GS Pro, Agisoft, and the DroneDeploy |
| Insurance Field | Pix4D and DroneDeploy |
| Journalism Industry | DJI GO app, the FreeFlight Pro app, and the Litchi app |
| Agriculture | Pix4D, DroneDeploy, PrecisionHawk, and Sentera |
| Transportation Industry | DroneDeploy, Pix4Dcapture, Propeller, Wingtra |
| Energy Industry | DroneDeploy, PrecisionHawk, Auterion, PhotoScan |
| Telecommunication Industry | DroneDeploy, Optelos, PrecisionHawk, Pix4D |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is becoming a drone pilot worth it?
Yes, becoming a drone pilot is worth it because the field of drone piloting provides a diverse range of drone operator job prospects across various industries, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling career path.
Is there a demand for drone pilots?
Yes, there is a significant demand for drone pilots across various industries. As drones become more prevalent and their applications expand, the need for skilled pilots continues to grow.
How do I become a certified drone pilot?
To become a certified drone pilot, it is essential to have a complete understanding of the process and requirements. We have created a detailed guide that will provide you with valuable information and insights into the certification process. You can access the drone license guide by visiting this link.
Sources & References:
- Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/drone-pilot-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm
- 107 BVLOS Waivers: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/uas/resources/events_calendar/archive/How_To_Get_Approval_to_Fly_BVLOS-Part_107.pdf
- Drone Pilot Salary: https://marketing-staging.thedroneu.com/blog/drone-pilot-salary-how-to-make-money-with-a-drone/
- Drone Laws: https://marketing-staging.thedroneu.com/blog/usa-drone-laws-regulations-by-state/
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