Best Drone Photography Jobs

Who Is A Drone Pilot?

A drone is known as – unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV. A person who can operate a UAV is called a drone pilot. Modern drones have cutting-edge technology. Hence, it’s not a child’s toy anymore. Only professionally trained persons can operate modern drones.

Can A Drone Pilot Have Job Opportunities?

Yes, drones are becoming an extremely popular tool and industries need professional drone pilots. That’s why, if you are properly trained, then you can get some exciting job opportunities.

Basic Requirements To Become A Drone Pilot

To become a professional drone pilot, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107). Try to complete your FAA Airman Certificate Training and show some experience. You should remember that Aeronautical Knowledge Test – is truly important to become a qualified drone pilot.

10 Best Drone Photography Jobs with Qualifications Needed And Average Pay

1) Filmmaking

High-budget films and songs now require drone shots. It could be action or a beautiful scene. Drone shots can give a film an extraordinary angle. So, it’s a great drone photography job.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Drone Aerial Cinematography Course

3) FAA License

4) Professional Experience

Average Pay –

You can expect a $40,000 – $80.000 salary yearly. But if you are a freelancer, then you can get a $50 – $500 hourly payment.

2) Recue Operation Managers

Rescue operations often need drone shots. Drones can travel to remote and risky places. That’s why rescue operation managers love drones. So, if you are a drone expert, then it could be a great job for you.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) A Bachelor’s Degree

3) Aeronautical Knowledge Test Certificate

4) Basic Knowledge of The Terrain

5) Years of Experience

Average Pay –

Usually, rescue operations require expert freelancers. So, you can expect a $200 – $800 hourly payment. But, the amount of payment depends on the nature and difficulty of the job.

3) Military Observation (RPA)

Remotely Piloted Aircraft – is a US military job for drone operators. If you are dreaming of thwarting the plans of your enemies, then you would love this job. However, you have to pass a stringent test to operate military drones.

Qualifications –

1) A Bachelor’s Degree

2) Airforce Remote Pilot Training

3) Aeronautical Navigation Knowledge

4) Great Background

5) Age between 18 to 40.

Average Pay –

You can expect a above $40,000 yearly salary.

4) Professional Content Creators

From weddings to YouTube videos, drone photography has touched new heights. Everybody wants to have a great aerial angle in their videos. That’s why professional drone content creators are in high demand.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Drone Aerial Cinematography Course

3) FAA License

4) Professional Experience (optional).

5) Video Editing (optional).

Average Pay –

As a freelancer, you can earn between $20 to $200 hourly. But if you get big projects, you can earn hundreds of dollars every day.

5) Agricultural Industry

Drones have been a boon to the agricultural industry. With advanced sensors, drones can check the health of the crops. Moreover, drones can also save crops by spraying pesticides. In short, drones have a bright future in the Agricultural industry. Hence, you can pick this career.

Qualifications –

1) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam Certificate (FAA)

2) FAA Licenses

3) Knowledge About Agricultural Industries Or A Diploma in Agriculture

4) Knowledge Of Aerial Restrictions

Average Pay –

You can expect a salary between – $40.000 – $60,000 (yearly). For freelancing projects, you can get $20 – $100 hourly payments.

6) Mapping

Nowadays, 3D maps are created with the help of drones. Drone videos, photography, and sensors can create excellent maps. Therefore, it’s a great chance to show your drone operational skills.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Aeronautical Knowledge Test Certificate

3) Basic Knowledge of The Terrain

4) Years of Experience

5) A Degree in Topography.

6) Knowledge in Robotics and Aviation (for 3D Mapping)

Average Pay –

The Average salary is – $60.000 yearly. As a freelancer, you can get $250 to $1000 after completing your projects.

7) Power Line Inspection

Power lines often have faults and only a good inspection can reveal the actual cause behind the fault. A drone operator can reach difficult places and can inspect a power line quickly. Thus, power line inspection requires good drone operators.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Aeronautical Knowledge Test Certificate

3) Basic Knowledge of Power Lines.

4) An Electrical Inspection License.

5) Experience

Average Pay –

You can get between $3500 to $5000 monthly salary. But, if you are doing a freelancing job, then you can get $25 to $70 hourly payments.

8) Building Inspector

After completing a building, a building inspector often inspects it. Apart from that, a flaw in architectural design is also inspected by a building inspector. So, if you want a job to show your drone photography skills, then you can become a building inspector.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Aeronautical Knowledge Test Certificate

3) Architectural Engineering Or A Master’s Degree in Architecture

4) Building Inspection License

5) Professional Experience

Average Pay –

A building inspector or an architectural inspector can get $10 – $40 per hour.

9) Advertisement

The advertisement industry is desperately seeking drone photography experts. They want HD drone videography for their products. Therefore, it could be a highly promising industry for drone operators.

Qualifications –

1) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

2) Drone Aerial Cinematography or Videography Course

3) Professional Experience

4) Knowledge about Aerial Restrictions

5) Knowledge in Editing (optional)

Average Pay –

A professional drone operator can get a salary between $30000 – $50000. As a freelancer, you can get $20 – $150 hourly payments.

10) Drone Trainer or Drone Instructor

If you have enough experience and proper certificates, then you can become a drone instructor. A drone instructor or trainer can teach students in drone schools. They may help students to pass (part 107) exams. Hence, it’s a good job.

Qualifications –

1) FAA License and Registration

2) Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107)

3) Experience In Aviation Industry

4) Technical Knowledge

5) Real-life Experience

Average Pay –

As a drone instructor, you can get a $30,000 to $60.000 salary (yearly).

To master drone operational skills, you need to buy a modern drone. Drones have different types of sensors and cameras. You need to understand all of it.

Drones are now taking over the world. So, it could be a great opportunity for you to enter this young industry. An experienced and skilled drone photographer may get great job opportunities. Hence, start honing your drone operational skills now.