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Drone Pilot
Outdoor & AdventureYou fly drones commercially for aerial photography, surveying, inspections, agriculture, and search-and-rescue. You'll pilot aircraft from the ground while staring at a screen, maintain line-of-sight in conditions that make it hard, and navigate FAA regulations that were written for manned aircraft and awkwardly adapted for yours. Everyone thinks your job is 'playing with a toy.' Your Part 107 license says otherwise.
Salary Range
Low
$35k
Median
$58k
High
$100k
10-Year Growth
much faster
US Workers
25K
Education
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate + specialized training for your industry
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification
- ▸Drone flight operations (DJI, Skydio, Autel platforms)
- ▸Aerial photography and videography
- ▸Photogrammetry and 3D mapping (Pix4D, DroneDeploy)
- ▸LiDAR sensor integration
- ▸Flight planning software and airspace compliance
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Spatial awareness
- ▸Attention to detail
- ▸Adaptability to weather conditions
- ▸Client communication
- ▸Continuous learning of regulations
What you'll actually do
- 01Plan flight missions including airspace checks, weather assessment, and FAA compliance
- 02Operate drones for aerial photography, surveying, or inspections with precision that justifies your rates
- 03Process and deliver aerial data — photos, video, orthomosaics, 3D models — depending on the client
- 04Maintain equipment and batteries because a drone failure at 400 feet means expensive debris
- 05Navigate FAA regulations that are strict, constantly evolving, and not optional
- 06Explain to clients that no, you can't fly over that crowd / near that airport / in that weather
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