What Does a Drone Pilot Do?
A drone pilot operates unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to capture aerial images, collect data, or conduct inspections in support of business, industrial, or public safety operations. These professionals are responsible for planning and executing safe, compliant flight missions in accordance with FAA regulations and organizational protocols.
Drone pilots work across a range of industries, including construction, real estate, agriculture, utilities, and cinematography, to gather visual or geospatial information. Their role typically includes pre-flight planning, performing flight maneuvers, monitoring drone performance, maintaining equipment, and uploading or processing flight data for analysis or client delivery.
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Drone Pilot Core Responsibilities
- Operate drones safely and legally under FAA Part 107 guidelines
- Plan and execute UAS flight missions for aerial photography, mapping, inspection, or data collection
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight equipment checks
- Analyze flight paths, weather, and airspace to ensure mission safety
- Maintain flight logs and compliance documentation
- Collaborate with technical teams, surveyors, or media professionals
- Perform basic maintenance, updates, and calibration of drone systems
- Upload and transfer imagery or sensor data for post-processing
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency operating drones from leading manufacturers (e.g., DJI, Skydio, Parrot)
- Familiarity with airspace classifications and FAA regulations
- Flight planning using UAS software platforms (e.g., DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Litchi)
- Basic understanding of GIS, photography, videography, or data analysis depending on role
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills
Soft skills
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and situational awareness
- Attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures
- Clear communication with teams and clients
- Ability to work independently in various field conditions
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Technical training or associate’s degree in aviation, geography, or media is a plus
Certifications
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required for all commercial drone operators)
Additional certifications, such as AUVSI Trusted Operator Program or OSHA safety training, are valuable depending on the industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of commercial drone flying experience
- Experience with drone-based inspections, mapping, or cinematography
- Familiarity with mission planning and post-processing software
- Ability to obtain site-specific clearances (e.g., COA or LAANC approval)
- Previous experience in construction, surveying, agriculture, or utility work environments
National Average Salary
Drone pilot salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Drone Pilot is:
$66,850
Sample Job Description Templates for Drone Pilots
Aerial Survey Drone Pilot
Position Overview
The aerial survey drone pilot conducts high-precision mapping and geospatial data collection using UAV platforms. This role supports surveying, GIS, and civil engineering teams by capturing orthomosaic imagery, elevation models, and site data with centimeter-level accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute survey-grade drone flights following FAA and project requirements
- Capture geotagged images for terrain modeling and 3D reconstruction
- Use photogrammetry and LiDAR-equipped drones where applicable
- Collaborate with GIS analysts or land surveyors to align deliverables
- Process data via Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or similar tools for client handoff
- Maintain accurate flight logs and equipment records
Requirements
Hard skills
- FAA Part 107 certification
- Experience with RTK/PPK GPS workflows and mapping software
- Knowledge of ground control points and aerial triangulation techniques
- Familiarity with UAS platforms like DJI Matrice or Phantom 4 RTK
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented and analytical mindset
- Strong spatial awareness
- Comfortable working independently in field conditions
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s degree in surveying or GIS preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of drone surveying experience
- Knowledge of CAD or GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D)
Cinematography Drone Operator
Position Overview
The cinematography drone operator captures smooth, cinematic aerial footage for film, television, real estate, or promotional media. This role requires expert control of flight and camera systems to create visually compelling content while adhering to FAA and client safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Fly drones equipped with stabilized camera gimbals (e.g., DJI Inspire, Mavic 3 Cine)
- Capture high-quality video or photography according to creative briefs
- Coordinate with directors, DPs, or producers on shot planning
- Monitor footage quality, lighting, and framing in real-time
- Ensure flight safety in dynamic or crowded environments
Requirements
Hard skills
- FAA Part 107 certification
- Proficiency in drone cinematography techniques and manual flight control
- Experience using video gear (e.g., RAW/Log footage, ND filters)
- Understanding of video editing workflows and color grading basics
Soft skills
- Artistic eye and composition awareness
- Creative collaboration with production teams
- Calm and precise under pressure
Education
- High school diploma required; film/media coursework preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years flying drones in commercial media production
- Showreel demonstrating previous aerial cinematography
Agricultural Drone Technician
Position Overview
The agricultural drone technician uses drones to collect crop data, monitor field conditions, and assist precision agriculture efforts. This role helps agronomists and farm operators make data-informed decisions to improve yield, detect stress, and manage resources.
Responsibilities
- Operate drones equipped with NDVI, multispectral, or thermal sensors
- Plan flight paths to cover acreage based on crop cycles or scouting needs
- Upload imagery for vegetation index processing or GIS integration
- Maintain and calibrate drones and sensors for consistent data capture
- Work with agricultural software (e.g., Sentera, DroneDeploy Ag) for insights
Requirements
Hard skills
- FAA Part 107 certification
- Experience with ag drones and multispectral sensors
- Familiarity with crop monitoring tools and agronomic terms
- Data processing and map analysis skills
Soft skills
- Comfort working outdoors in varying field conditions
- Detail-driven with a problem-solving mindset
- Good communication with farm staff or agronomists
Education
- High school diploma required; degree in agriculture, environmental science, or agronomy preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in precision ag, crop scouting, or drone mapping
- Knowledge of GPS survey tools or GIS software
Utility Inspection Drone Pilot
Position Overview
The utility inspection drone pilot performs aerial inspections of electrical lines, substations, wind turbines, or telecom towers. The role involves capturing detailed imagery to detect wear, defects, or hazards while operating within safety and compliance protocols.
Responsibilities
- Conduct pre-programmed or manual inspection flights near utility infrastructure
- Use thermal imaging, RGB, or LiDAR payloads depending on project scope
- Document anomalies, corrosion, or structural issues through imagery
- Ensure compliance with airspace, safety, and utility regulations
- Support inspection teams with image annotation or report inputs
Requirements
Hard skills
- FAA Part 107 certification
- Experience with drones carrying thermal or zoom cameras (e.g., FLIR, Zenmuse H20T)
- Familiarity with electric utility standards and inspection criteria
- Ability to navigate LAANC/COA airspace requirements
Soft skills
- Meticulous attention to visual details and pattern recognition
- Safety-first mindset with technical troubleshooting ability
- Clear documentation and data transfer skills
Education
- High school diploma required; technical training in electrical or energy systems preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of drone inspection experience
- Utility industry or OSHA training certifications
Construction Site Drone Surveyor
Position Overview
The construction site drone surveyor captures aerial imagery to support progress tracking, volumetric analysis, and plan comparison on active job sites. This role provides real-time data for project managers, engineers, and VDC teams.
Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled drone flights to monitor job site development
- Collect and upload georeferenced images for earthwork calculations and overlays
- Support BIM/VDC teams with 3D mapping or orthomosaic outputs
- Monitor airspace and construction activity to maintain safe operations
- Maintain flight logs, batteries, and drone maintenance schedules
Requirements
Hard skills
- FAA Part 107 certification
- Experience with mapping platforms (e.g., DroneDeploy, Propeller, Pix4D)
- Basic understanding of construction phases and site safety
- Familiarity with control point setup and topographic workflows
Soft skills
- Strong coordination with field and office teams
- Detail orientation for tracking changes over time
- Clear communication and adaptability on active job sites
Education
- High school diploma required; construction or engineering coursework preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience using drones on construction sites
- Knowledge of CAD integration or quantity takeoff workflows