💻 Technology ↑ 15% growth · Much faster than average

Drone Pilot / UAV Operator

Commercial drone pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles for photography, surveying, inspections, and agriculture — one of the fastest-growing emerging tech careers. The FAA Part 107 certificate is accessible, and the applications span construction, real estate, energy, and emergency services.

$58,200 Median Salary
46K US Jobs
1–6 months Training
$300–$3,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$38,000
Median
$58,200
Experienced
$90,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

15%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Much faster than average
46K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required Credential
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
FAA Part 107 Test Prep + Manufacturer Training
Program Length
1–6 months
Typical Tuition
$300–$3,000
Work Setting
Construction, real estate, agriculture, energy, public safety
🏆 Credential Required: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Drone Pilot / UAV Operator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Construction environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Drone Pilot / UAV Operator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC