Have you wondered what drone flying careers are available in today’s industry? Do you know what to expect with an entry level drone pilot salary? At Rocket Drones, we know how vast the drone industry has become, offering drone pilots a wide range of high-paying career opportunities. In this article, we will discuss drone career opportunities and how to prepare for success in a rapidly growing industry.
Using Drones for Photography & Videography
Maybe the most obvious one, but drones have played a critical role in the filmmaking industry, videography and photography for real estate, commercial videos for businesses, and so much more. With enough experience and the right certifications, a freelance drone pilot can start a business with a flexible schedule in an industry where demand for skilled pilots is high and growing every day. Additionally, drone pilots can enhance their resume when applying for non-drone jobs as a value add for future employers who can use a team member with drone piloting skills in another area of the business.
Mapping & Surveying with Drones
Whether you’re working for a state entity or a private construction or surveying company, drones have been instrumental in increasing surveying capabilities tenfold. With a skilled drone pilot at the controls, drones can be used to fly over a large area and take high-resolution photographs that show distance, topography, and potential areas for concern on any project site. Even better, drones have prioritized safety in the industry, keeping surveying and construction crews out of hazardous areas where a drone can fly with ease without any risk to a human life.
How Are Drones Used in Agriculture?
Farmers who own large areas of land with crops and livestock have employed drone pilots in recent years to enhance their visibility on their acreage. One of the key areas where drones have been deployed on farms is to monitor the overall health of their livestock and crops. Drone pilots can identify key issues, such as infestations and stressed crops so that farmers can intervene quickly, potentially saving thousands of dollars in product loss. There are also specialty drones that have been rigged to spread seed or fertilizer faster and more effectively over large areas without using expensive, gas-powered machinery to do it.
Using Drones for Insurance Inspections
When disaster strikes, it can be difficult or near impossible to access certain areas for a thorough insurance inspection. Drones have given both insurance companies and private policy holders the ability to capture aerial footage and photography without causing a potentially hazardous situation. Gathering high-quality images and video as soon as possible is critical for ensuring the insurance claim process goes smoothly for both parties involved.
Military Uses for Drones
Military forces around the world have incorporated drones and drone technology to enhance their mission capabilities and readiness. Drones have been deployed for reconnaissance and security efforts when sending troops or traditional aircraft would be considered too dangerous or ineffective. Logistically, large drones can also support supply chains by delivering critical cargo to forward deployed units. There is also an offensive component to how militaries are using drones that has drastically changed how war fighting is perceived around the globe.
Drone Engineering Careers
With so many applications and career pathways for drone pilots, that means that the manufacturing, engineering, and software sectors are on the rise. Computer science and coding experts play a key role in creating new drones, components, and front-end programs that work alongside the most advanced drone technology. There are even drones being used and coded specifically to create mesmerizing light shows for celebrations and events to replace the environmental impact and noise pollution caused by traditional firework displays. Simply put, the demand is soaring for drone engineers.
Entry Level Drone Pilot Salary
This is the good news! Although annual salaries for entry-level drone pilots can vary greatly based on location and saturation, the national average salary for an entry-level drone pilot is $50,729. (According to a 2024 average from ZipRecruiter.) As skill level, experience, and certifications are added to the mix, the annual earnings rise to a national average of $130,000 and even more for some of the highest paying drone jobs. The best part about it all is that there is no expensive college degree required, meaning drone pilots as young as high school students can jump straight into the workforce and start earning real money.
How to Get a Job Working with Drones
There are three important pieces to the puzzle when preparing for a successful career in drone piloting.
FAA Part 107 Certification: This is the gold standard for certifications for drone pilots. This certifies that the drone pilot has the knowledge and ability to operate drones commercially in the United States.
A Comprehensive Portfolio: Most employers and potential clients will want to see a well documented portfolio of work before hiring. This includes video assets, photography samples, and any demonstrations of skills that might pertain to that specific sector of the drone industry.
Logged Flight Hours: Just like traditional pilots, logging legitimate flight hours as a drone pilot is a great way to provide a tangible source of experience to potential employers so that they know you are proficient before hiring.
Rocket Drones Prepares Students for Drone Careers
Rocket Drones was designed to make an immediate impact on your school’s curriculum and prepares your students with everything they will need to secure a paid career in drones upon graduation. Introducing students to drones as early as middle school with our classroom STEM kits, we empower them with opportunities to log real flight hours, start building a portfolio, and obtain the FAA Part 107 Certification by the age of 16. Rocket Drones students graduate from high school as turnkey employees ready to be hired the second they set foot in the job market.
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.