GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
$69K/yr
Average Salary
0.5 years
Years of Education
+25%
Job Growth
Many
Total Jobs
Drone Operators pilot unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial photography, agriculture, construction surveying, package delivery, and emergency services. FAA Part 107 certification required. One of the fastest-growing trade careers.
$42K
Starting
$69K
Average
$95K
Senior
High School Diploma or GED
Foundation requirement for all pathways
Certificate in Drone & UAV Technology
Typically 0.5 years
Start your career
Entry-level positions and internships
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FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Required to practiceFederal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Field
Trades & Skilled Labor
Required Degree
Certificate
Time in School
0.5 years
Job Demand
10-Year Job Growth
+25%
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Create free account →Federal labor-market data for Drone / UAV Operator
Pay range
$42K–$95K
10th–90th percentile
Job growth
+25%
projection unavailable
Number of jobs
—
unavailable
Much faster than average
Strong demand growth expected
Typical duties
Detailed duties for this role are not currently tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. See methodology notes below.
BLS does not track Drone/UAV Operator. May be reported under various SOCs (Commercial Pilots, Camera Operators, Civil Eng Techs, Farmworkers). FAA Part 107 is the credential.