Do you want to find out what drone pilot jobs are in demand in 2024?
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 this year and how to take the first step toward landing your dream job.
The global drone market is booming, projected to reach $54.6 billion by 2030.
The trend of drone market size worldwide from 2021 to 2030 (Source: Statista)
This explosive growth leads to a multitude of opportunities for drone pilots.
To get a better understanding of drone pilot roles, let’s begin with the basics.
Table of Contents
Imagine a drone pilot as the captain of a tiny flying machine. Their job is to make sure this high-tech aircraft takes off, zips around safely, and lands without a hitch. Here’s what they typically do:
Just like airline pilots, drone pilots check their aircraft before each flight. They also plan their course to avoid any bumps in the road (or sky!) and keep an eye out for other flyers during the mission.
Just like a real pilot, the drone pilot needs to be super careful. This means checking the drone before flying, taking off and landing smoothly, and avoiding any bumps or crashes during the flight. They also need to be aware of their surroundings and follow the rules, just like bigger airplanes do.
Many drone pilots use their skills to capture amazing visuals. This could be anything from stunning aerial shots for movies to capturing data for construction sites. Think of them as flying cameramen or data collectors!
Drones are often used to take amazing pictures and videos from up high. So, the pilot might be responsible for operating a camera mounted on the drone, getting the perfect shots for movies, real estate listings, or even inspecting buildings.
Drone missions don’t happen by accident. The pilot does some homework beforehand, figuring out the best flight path to get the job done. They consider things like the weather and where they’re allowed to fly to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Before flying off, the pilot doesn’t just wing it. They’ll research the area, plan a flight path to get the job done, and consider things like weather and where they can and can’t fly. Sometimes, they might even analyze the data collected after the flight.
So, where can you find drone pilots buzzing around? They work in all sorts of places, including:
Getting the proper training to fly these machines safely and legally is important. If you see drone pilots working in fields, filming movies, or helping firefighters, that’s just a taste of the many jobs they can do!
Bonus Tip: Consider formal drone training in aerial photography, videography, or mapping before starting your entry-level drone pilot career. It can give you an edge.
Now let’s unfold which sectors and professions need drone pilots.
The first step to becoming a commercial drone pilot is acquiring a license from your country’s regulatory body. In the United States, this falls under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with their Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Rule. This license ensures you possess the knowledge and skills for safe and responsible drone operation according to airspace regulations.
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.
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.
Using drones for aerial photography and videography is an effective way to market properties, and it can give listings an edge over the competition.
Real estate agents and property owners are always looking for fresh ways to showcase their properties, and that’s where you, the real estate drone pilot, 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.
Being a drone pilot in real estate can be exciting and profitable because there’s a lot of demand and cool technology. However, it also comes with its share of challenges.
There is a wide range of missions that UAV pilots typically fly, such as:
Real estate drone operators enjoy incredible versatility, and drone pilots have a wide array of opportunities to work on different projects. In addition to providing flexibility, these positions provide the invaluable experience required for success.
Construction is one of the fastest-growing commercial drone industries, with the use of drones increasing exponentially over the last few years.
And it’s not without reason.
According to Fact.MR, the drone 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%.
UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators are saving construction companies significant money by using drones to conduct crucial surveys throughout the entire project lifecycle. These surveys cover a wide range, including:
This boom in the construction industry has opened up some really interesting opportunities to join UAV operators such as
1. Site Selection: You can fly to a prospective site for the most updated view of the property and help with site selection and planning.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Here’s a breakdown of the merits and demerits for drone pilots operating within 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.
Mining and aggregate 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 mining and aggregates industry offers unique opportunities and challenges for drone pilots. Below are the merits and demerits of working within this sector.
UAS operators working in mining or aggregate 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.
Drones have become the buzziest item in the film industry, adding a breath of fresh air to any scene with their unique aerial perspective.
But their appeal goes beyond just cool shots.
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 pilots working in the filmmaking industry can have these merits and demerits mentioned below.
Check out this in-depth video on how you can get work from a big production house like Netflix
UAV pilots can fly on a variety of missions in the film industry.
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.
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.
From search and rescue missions to disaster relief and wildlife conservation, drones are changing the game for public safety professionals. These exciting opportunities can be part-time or full-time, offering both financial rewards and emotional satisfaction.
Here’s how drones are making a difference:
1. Search and rescue: These drone heroes scan vast areas, locating lost hikers, victims trapped in floods, or anyone needing help.
2. Disaster response: After hurricanes or floods, drones deliver vital supplies, assess damage, and help first responders make informed decisions.
3. Wildlife conservation: Drones monitor endangered species, track poachers, and protect delicate ecosystems.
1. Law enforcement: 3D maps created by drones improve response times and aid in evacuations during crises.
2. Fire departments: Drones guide firefighters with real-time views, helping them find victims and navigate danger zones. Orthomosaic maps of buildings created by drones help them plan safer rescues.
However, the ability to use drones in public safety may vary considerably based on the purpose.
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.
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.
Drones in public safety can be super helpful for getting to emergencies quickly, keeping rescue teams safe, and saving money.
There are a variety of different types of missions that UAV operators in public safety typically fly such as:
Drones in the public safety industry are generally used in various missions, including
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of using drones in the insurance industry in a super simple way.
Some of the most common types of missions include damage assessment, property inspection to document risk and/or an asset, mapping, and even surveying.
Overall, UAV pilots play an important role in the insurance industry by helping companies assess damages, inspect properties, and gather valuable data on a range of different areas.
Many insurance companies offer drone pilot internships or apprenticeship opportunities that can help you build your skills and gain real-world experience.
Interested in augmenting drones in the insurance industry?
Drones are transforming the landscape of news consumption and understanding. The war in Ukraine serves as a clear example of how drones have become a frequent tool in the field of journalism.
Using drones to capture aerial stills and video footage increases the drama and detail of news coverage.
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.
It’s important to remember that there are many different uses for drones in journalism, and the level of quality needed can vary. Having the most advanced camera may not be essential for breaking news or disaster coverage; having the footage is what matters most.
However, 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 high-end camera and get the greatest shots feasible.
Drones give journalists some amazing ways to tell stories with unique and eye-catching footage. But, they also have to deal with some difficulties. Let’s know the advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the most common types of missions that drone operator jobs in the journalism industry can undertake include
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.
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of being a drone operator in the agriculture industry.
UAV operators typically fly a number of different missions in the agriculture industry, including crop scouting, crop mapping, and livestock monitoring.
This data can be used to calculate the most effective planting patterns, water usage, and nutrient management.
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.
Let’s understand the pros and cons of being a drone operator 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.
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.
Let’s understand the pros and cons of being a drone operator in the energy industry.
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:
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.
Let’s understand the pros and cons of being a drone operator in the telecommunication industry.
Merits
Demerits
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:
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.
Credit: FFA
As a drone pilot, you have the unique opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on education.
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:
Bringing drones to schools and colleges can make learning fun and prepare students for the future. Here are the pros and cons of bringing drones into the education industry.
There are a variety of apps and curriculum resources available for drone pilots looking to use their skills.
Some popular options include the Drone U Flight 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 allows users to generate and share 3D maps and models, and the Flight Projector app enables users to project a live feed of their drone’s camera onto a classroom screen.
In the following sections, you will find some valuable information on drone pilot earnings and recommendations on drones & software based on the industry.
| Industry | Earning |
| Real Estate | $80,957 |
| Construction | $78,110 |
| Mining and Aggregate | $78,110 |
| Filmmaking | $78,110 |
| Public Safety | $49,000 |
| Insurance | $94,051 |
| Journalism | $35,000 |
| Agriculture | $77,123 |
| Transportation | $78,110 |
| Energy | $61,000 |
| Telecommunications | $75,849 |
| Education | $69,351 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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