Position
Salary

How much does a Drone Pilot make?

The average salary for a Drone Pilot is $86,495 per year in the US.

The salary for drone pilots can vary based on experience and location. On average, drone pilots make about $86,495 a year. This is a strong income for a skilled profession. Drone pilots use technology to fly drones for different purposes, like taking pictures or delivering goods.

People in this field can make different amounts based on where they live and how much they know. For example, those with more experience often earn more. Some top earners make over $190,000 a year. These high salaries show that there is a good demand for experienced drone pilots. Companies value their skills because they can help with many tasks.

View Drone Pilot jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Drone Pilot?

Top-paying cities for drone pilots attract skilled professionals. Visalia, CA, leads with an average salary of $159,615, making it a prime location for high earnings. Charlotte, NC, follows with an average salary of $40,985, offering a solid opportunity for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Drone Pilot jobs, highlighting Visalia, CA with the highest at $159,615 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $40,985.
  1. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $159,615
    In Visalia, CA, remote operations professionals thrive in an environment that balances agricultural technology with advanced aviation. Companies like Parrot USA and Precision Hawk provide opportunities to apply cutting-edge drone technology in farming and research. The area’s agricultural landscape offers unique challenges and experiences, making Visalia an exciting place for pilots.
    Find Drone Pilot jobs in Visalia, CA


  2. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $40,985
    Charlotte, NC, serves as a hub for tech innovation with a growing demand for aerial data collection and surveillance. Companies such as DJI and SkySpecs operate in this dynamic market, offering roles that focus on urban development and infrastructure inspections. The city’s blend of urban and rural areas presents diverse scenarios for pilots to master their skills.
    Find Drone Pilot jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the best companies a Drone Pilot can work for?

Concorde Education offers the highest pay for drone pilot jobs, with an average salary of $154,717. Inspection Depot Inc. is another top choice, offering pilots an average salary of $114,333. Solar Survey Ai and Next Door Photos also provide competitive salaries, though slightly lower, at $53,125 and $47,044 respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Drone Pilot jobs, highlighting Concorde Education with the highest at $154,717 and Next Door Photos with the lowest at $47,044.
  1. Concorde Education
    Average Salary: $154,717
    Concorde Education offers competitive salaries for Drone Pilots. They are involved in training and educational services. Concorde Education has multiple locations across the country, providing diverse opportunities.


  2. Inspection Depot Inc.
    Average Salary: $114,333
    Inspection Depot Inc. pays well for Drone Pilots. They specialize in aerial inspections. This company operates in several states, offering Drone Pilots the chance to work in various environments.


  3. Solar Survey Ai
    Average Salary: $53,125
    Solar Survey Ai provides Drone Pilot positions with a decent salary. They focus on solar energy solutions. This company is based in a few specific locations, making for a concentrated job search.


  4. Next Door Photos
    Average Salary: $47,044
    Next Door Photos offers Drone Pilot jobs with a salary that reflects their industry. They are in the real estate photography business. The company operates in select areas, allowing for targeted recruitment.

How to earn more as a Drone Pilot?

Becoming a successful drone pilot can lead to a rewarding career with the potential to earn a good income. Focus on these key factors to increase earning potential:

  1. Get certified: Complete training and pass the FAA Part 107 exam to become a certified drone pilot. This opens up more job opportunities.
  2. Gain experience: Work on various projects to build a diverse portfolio. Experience makes pilots more attractive to employers.
  3. Specialize: Focus on a niche like real estate, agriculture, or film production. Specializing can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  4. Invest in equipment: Use high-quality drones and tools. Better equipment can improve job quality and efficiency.
  5. Market yourself: Build a strong online presence. A professional website and social media profiles can attract more clients.

By focusing on these areas, drone pilots can improve their chances of earning more. Continuous learning and networking also play a crucial role in career growth.

Currently 48 Drone Pilot job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Drone Pilot in the US?

Learn what a Drone Pilot does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Drone Pilot today.
Position
Overview
Drone Pilot
48 Job Openings