Do you have a drone? Are you looking for ways to start making money with it?
Now, more than ever, drones can be used to make quite a bit of cash. Even if you’re not a full-time drone pilot, the gig economy in this sector is on the rise.
In fact, the “drones as a service” industry is expected to reach $29.4 billion in 2025 alone.
At Rocket Drones, we specialize in drone education for grades 3-12, including classroom drones, racing drones, and drone simulators. We were also founded by drone industry professionals who know the ins and outs of the service side of drone piloting.
In this article, we will discuss things to know before trying to make money with your drone and some tips that we’ve learned along the way.
Key Takeaways
- The “drones as a service” industry is anticipated to reach $29.4 billion by 2025, offering lucrative opportunities for freelance drone operators.
- Obtain necessary certifications like the Part 107 license, consider liability insurance, and practice extensively to enhance skill levels before entering the market.
- Opportunities exist in wedding videography, real estate showcases, and event coverage, all of which increasingly require drone footage.
- Build connections in related fields like real estate photography, market your work through social media, and use freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.
- Operating independently can be rewarding, requires dedication and persistence, and offers the flexibility to capitalize on a growing industry and personal talent.
Things to Know Before Getting Hired for Drone Services
Simply having a drone is not enough to get you hired for gigs. There are certain boxes you need to check before putting yourself out in the market for hire. Here are some things you should consider.
- Get certified. Although flying recreationally doesn’t require a license, it’s advisable to get your Part 107 before flying professionally. Most vendors will want to see this certification before you show up to ensure you have all of the necessary training and understand the regulations before launching.
- Consider insurance. Even if you aren’t a business owner, you might want to consider purchasing insurance. Specifically, you want to have liability insurance in case you cause accidental property damage or bodily injury. There are some services that will even provide a pilot with daily coverage if you just need insurance on an as-needed basis. This also gives you and your clients peace of mind.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Sure. You can go out there and sell your services no matter your skill level. However, there’s a significant difference between being certified and qualified. You need to ensure you are at the skill level that is appropriate for selling your services.
Lucrative Gig Work for Freelance Drone Operators
Now that you know what you need to do before making money with a drone, let’s take a look at what’s out there. We will never be able to cover every single drone application, but here are some high-demand services to start thinking about.
- Weddings. It’s no longer just about the wedding photographer. According to The Knot, in 2024 alone, 37% of newlyweds hired a videographer. In 2025, 19% of couples expressed regret with not hiring one. This means that the paradigm is shifting to include video as part of the wedding. This almost always means a drone pilot is a necessary part of the equation. Love is always in the air somewhere and usually on weekends. This is perfect for a lucrative side hustle.
- Real Estate. People used to snap a few quick photos and call it a day with real estate listings. Now, high-end architectural photography, drone video, and 360 walkthroughs have become the norm with the rise of remote tours. Developing an ongoing relationship with a handful of agents or a brokerage is a great way to keep money coming in year round.
- Event Coverage. From races to charity events, recap videos are a must have. It helps with next year’s marketing efforts and gives donors and sponsors a great way to engage. Having a flexible, capable drone pilot capture the event is a net positive for these event planners. One event can easily lead five more events if you make a name for yourself.
How to Get Started
There’s nothing that says you can’t get noticed the old fashioned way. The problem is, there are a lot of people with drones out there.
To truly get your foot in the door, you need to hit the ground running. Consider the following tips to get the ball rolling with your money making drone service.
- Network with other providers. People work with people they know. Do you know a local real estate photographer? Start networking with that person to see if he or she is ever in need of a second shooter on a project. Many times, photographers will bring along a drone operator to expand their services and speed up on-site time.
- Start marketing yourself. If you’re a drone pilot, you have no excuse to not be making content. When you get footage from a job, make sure you brag about it everywhere. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn. People want to see what you’re doing and that you’re active. This is also a great way to get discovered.
- Get on a freelancing website. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are a good way to get noticed for one-off gigs. However, depending on where you’re located, your local economy may or may not get many hits on these sites.
- Build a portfolio. A professional portfolio showcasing successful work is one of the most effective ways to validate your skills and capabilities. If you’re just starting out, consider taking on a few pro bono projects to build your portfolio. Think of it as an early investment that bridges the gap between your current level and paid opportunities.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to start a business or join an existing company to make money with your drone. Getting started as a freelancer is how many of the industry’s top professionals get up and running. However, being on your own takes a lot of work and persistence to start getting a good flow of clients coming in. If you have the talent and the motivation, the sky is literally the limit!
FAQ About Making Money with a Drone
Q: What certifications do I need to start earning money as a drone operator?
A: To operate a drone professionally and legally in most regions, you need to obtain the appropriate certification. For instance, in the United States, this would be the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification ensures you understand the necessary regulations and can operate a drone safely in various professional contexts.
Q: How can I protect myself and my clients legally when offering drone services?
A: Even if you’re not running a full-scale business, obtaining liability insurance is advisable. This insurance can cover accidental property damage or bodily injury caused while operating a drone. Some companies offer daily coverage, allowing you to opt for insurance only when needed, providing peace of mind for both you and your clients.
Q: What are some promising industries or events where I can offer my drone services?
A: Several industries and event types are increasingly incorporating drone services. Popular areas include wedding videography, real estate marketing with aerial property shots, and event coverage for races or charity events. These sectors value the unique perspectives drones can provide, making them lucrative avenues for drone operators to explore.
The Rocket Drones Difference
You can give your students a foundation in drone education and safety with Rocket Drones. We are the premier provider of drone racing, drone curriculum, and drone career training for middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Our mission is to expose students to the exciting world of drones and help them develop the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in various technology-related careers.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to take the next step with Rocket Drones at your school, learn more about it and get in touch with us on our curriculums page. If you already know you want to purchase a Rocket Drones kit, you can buy both our classroom kit and racing kit in just a few clicks on our website!