TL;DR
The salary range for drone pilots can vary depending on the industry and the types of content the drone pilot or droneographer captures.
- According to data from 2021 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for commercial drone pilots is $121,430.
- Skylogic Research from 2020 says the average hourly rate for drone pilots in the United States is $104.
- However, from chatting with Paypixl’s drone pilot community, we have determined the average annual salary is anywhere from $12,000 – $30,000 a year.
What is a drone pilot or droneographer?
A drone pilot is classified as a person who operates a drone or unmanned vehicle (UAV) for the purpose of aerial photography, videography, surveying, mapping, inspection, monitoring, and delivery of goods.
Drone pilots can work in various industries, including construction, agriculture, real estate, media and entertainment, and public safety. To be a professional drone pilot, a person MUST obtain the appropriate license and certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration.
What certification is required to be a professional drone pilot in the US?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to fly a drone under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This certificate indicates that you understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for flying drones.
How do I become a drone pilot?
The following is pulled from the Federal Aviation Administration website:
To become a drone pilot:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Be physically and mentally able to fly a drone safely
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam – known as the Unmanned Aircraft General-Small (UAG)
The requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate include:
- Must be easily accessible by the remote pilot during all UAS operations
- Certificate holders must complete an online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency
Before taking your initial aeronautical knowledge test, you must obtain an FAA tracking number by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application before applying to take a knowledge test.
Once you pass the initial knowledge test, you can complete the FAA Form 8710-13 for the Remote Pilot Certificate. You must include your test results to complete the application.
What are 5 tips to make money as a professional drone pilot?
Specialize in a particular industry: One effective way to make money as a drone pilot is to specialize in a specific industry, such as real estate, agriculture, or construction. Learn how drone content can help professionals in the industry do their job better. By developing expertise in a particular area, pilots can position themselves as experts in that field and market their services accordingly.
Build a strong portfolio: A portfolio of high-quality drone imagery and videos can be a powerful marketing tool for drone pilots. By showcasing their work on a website or social media channels, pilots can demonstrate their capabilities and attract potential clients. On Paypixl, we’ve made it super easy for professional drone pilots to showcase their work and add their profiles to a searchable drone pilot network where customers are seeking pro drone pilots.
Network with potential clients: Networking can be a powerful way for drone pilots to connect with potential clients and find new business opportunities. This can include sending cold email outreach to businesses in your industry or posting your drone images with relevant hashtags on social media so potential clients can find you. Attend industry events and participate in online forums to find gigs.
Offer value-added services: You can differentiate your services by offering services such as 3D mapping, thermal imaging, or data analysis. These additional services can provide more value to clients and help increase revenue.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends: Stay up-to-date on the latest technology and industry trends to stay ahead of the competition. By keeping abreast of new developments and innovations, pilots can identify new business opportunities and offer cutting-edge services to their clients. It’s essential to understand what equipment and new technology can help you be a better drone pilot.
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