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.
💰 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.
📈 Job Outlook
🎓 Training & Education
☀️ 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:
🏫 Schools and programs related to Drone Pilot / UAV Operator
USA Career Finder combines federal education datasets, state-approved training lists, workforce training provider lists, and licensing-board sources where available. Always confirm program availability, cost, admissions requirements, and licensing eligibility directly with the school.
Community College of Beaver County
Central Oregon Community College
Mercer County Community College
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Dodge City Community College
Schenectady County Community College
Community College of Baltimore County
Treasure Valley Community College
Tarrant County College District
Cochise County Community College District
Dutchess Community College
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Pearl River Community College
Lake Area Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College
Klamath Community College
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Southwestern Illinois College
Iowa Lakes Community College
Sandhills Community College
Fox Valley Technical College
Warren County Community College
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
Atlantic Cape Community College
Community College of Allegheny County
Indian Hills Community College
Cloud County Community College
North Shore Community College
Carroll Community College
South Louisiana Community College
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Rochester Community and Technical College
Guilford Technical Community College
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Helpful next-step resource
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