Despite every branch using drones to some degree, most drone pilots belong to the U.S. Air Force. Looking at the rank & job description of Air Force drone pilots, you’ll need to hold at least a rank of Second Lieutenant to qualify for the position. The average yearly salary of an O-1 Second Lieutenant is between $41,728 and $52,506, according to FederalPay.org. Learn more about one of the best ways to put your drone pilot license to good use.
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An Overview of Drone Pilot Salary Data
The amount you make as a drone pilot will vary depending on a number of factors, but these are primarily tied to your time serving and the rank you hold.For example, while Second Lieutenants are the entry rank for this position in the USAF, Majors can be drone pilots, as well.The UAV pilot salary of an O-2 First Lieutenant can range from $48,078 to $66,532 per year, while an O-3 Captain’s average salary can reach between $55,638 to $90,522 per year.An O-4 Major’s drone pilot salary can average between $63,284 and $105,664 per year due to their experience and the fact that they hold a higher rank.A basic pay scale applies to the U.S. military that's directly tied to your rank. Each person plays an important role in making sure that missions are a success, and the pay is reflected through its uniformity among troops.Drone pilot jobs are expected to remain in demand from the USAF for the foreseeable future. From intelligence to combat to search and rescue and more, as a UAV pilot, you help serve the United States in many critical ways.Sticking with this career path and working your way up the ranks can make your Air Force drone pilot salary turn into a six-figure career, all while giving back to your country.
Military Drone Pilot Salary vs. Civilian
A UAV drone pilot salary averages around $79,000 for civilians, meaning that drone pilot salaries seem to go a bit farther outside of the military.But there’s a lot more to consider than just a number when working as a UAV pilot in the Air Force:
- Members of the military have many tax benefits. Most states will waive income tax, elevating your salary, and there are other benefits like housing allowances, tuition reimbursem*nt, etc.
- UAV pilot jobs for the USAF provide you with a wealth of experience that's applicable to civilian life yet not obtainable anywhere else but in the military.
- Despite working thousands of miles away from your drone, there are still unique travel opportunities available to you when serving, which is a major consideration for some pilots.
The goals of each individual are unique unto themselves. This is why being a drone pilot in the military is a great path for some, but maybe not for others. Overall, serving the U.S. in this manner helps to save American lives and protect people throughout the globe who may otherwise be in harm’s way.
How To Become a Drone Pilot in the Air Force
Being a drone pilot in the USAF or Air Force Reserve requires many important qualifications. If you’re looking to command an MQ-9 Reaper, RQ-4 Global Hawk, or any other type of UAV, it’s important to know what you’ll need in order to qualify for the position.Here's an in-depth look at a remotely piloted aircraft pilot’s requirements and benefits:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- An understanding of air navigation, flying directives, meteorology, aircraft operation procedures, flight theory, and mission tactics.
- Successful completion of UAV Air Force pilot training.
- Graduation from either Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC).
- You must complete a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
- Must have started pilot training between the ages of 18 and 40 (waiverable).
- Additional requirements may apply depending on the specialty of the position.
Your drone pilot salary is part of the equation, but pilots are gifted with much more than a paycheck. Serving your country with UAVs is one of the most unique ways to help America defend itself and its allies from enemies no matter where they try to hide.
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FAQs
The average DroneBase salary ranges from approximately $56,605 per year (estimate) for an Ops Coordinator to $192,666 per year (estimate) for a Director. The average DroneBase hourly pay ranges from approximately $27 per hour (estimate) for an Operations Associate to $47 per hour (estimate) for a Licensed Drone Pilot.
Is there a high demand for drone pilots? ›
They are in high demand due to the increasing use of drones in various industries. The average salary of drone pilots varies based on several factors such as experience, industry, and location.
Can you make 6 figures as a Drone Pilot? ›
According to some industry sources, a career as a drone pilot can be quite lucrative. You can often earn six-figure salaries with just a few years of experience and strong technical skills. That being said – many factors can impact the earning potential of a drone pilot.
How much does it cost to become a FAA Drone Pilot? ›
The cost of obtaining a drone license in the US ranges between $150 to $175 depending on where you take the exam. To break it down a bit: Initial Exam Fee: The bulk of the cost comes from the fee for the initial aeronautical knowledge test which ranges from $150 to $175.
Can I make a living flying a drone? ›
Flying drones on a commercial basis can be a lucrative career. Your skills will be in high demand, especially within industries such as entertainment, real estate, mining, agriculture, engineering and construction. For this reason, it's a good idea to invest in a high quality drone system.
What is the highest paid drone operator? ›
Uav Drone Pilot Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $175,000 | $14,583 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,000 | $12,916 |
| Average | $130,916 | $10,909 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000 | $8,333 |
If you are a commercial drone operator or plan to become one in the future, the best state for this profession is probably North Dakota and the worst is likely Kentucky.
Is becoming a drone pilot worth it? ›
One highly compelling reason to take flight is the demand for skilled pilots in the field. As more industries begin to rely on drones for a variety of tasks, the need for experienced pilots is only going to increase. For those drone pilots who are competently trained to fly drones, there are a wealth of opportunities.
What is the best degree to become a drone pilot? ›
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, or unmanned aircraft systems operations is typically required to work as a drone pilot, although some people can enter the field with either an associate's degree and on-the-job experience, or after completing training at a UAS training school.
Is drone pilot school hard? ›
The drone license test is a bit harder than the driver's test. Everyone drives a car. But the Part 107 certification process isn't overwhelming by any means. Even people who haven't picked up a book in years can easily pass.
The Challenge: The increasing popularity of drones has led to a saturated market with lots of competition. Standing out and attracting clients can be tough.
Do I need a Part 107 to make money with a drone? ›
Completing the FAA's drone certification process brings you into an exciting (and lucrative) industry and can help to kick off your career as a professional drone operator. You'll need an FAA-issued Part 107 Certificate to start piloting commercial drone flights for work or business.
Can the FAA track your drone? ›
Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.
How hard is the drone license test? ›
The FAA Part 107 drone pilot license test is quite challenging. Attempting to pass the exam without studying will almost certainly provide less than stellar results. That said, it's not rocket science, and 15 to 20 hours of dedicated study time should help you prepare well enough to pass the test on the first try.
What size drone can I fly without a license? ›
All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. Drones registered under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations cannot be flown under Part 107.
How much can you make drone surveying? ›
How Much Do Drone Surveying Jobs Pay per Year? $39,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $58,500 is the 75th percentile.
Is there money to be made in the drone industry? ›
Drones are more than just toys or tools for aerial photography. They have become a lucrative business for those who know how to make money with them. The drone industry is expanding rapidly, and with it, the opportunities to make money with drones are growing.
Can a drone business be profitable? ›
Drones offer a unique perspective, allowing you to capture events in ways not easily achievable otherwise. Starting a drone-based event photography business can be a low-risk, high-return investment, with potential daily earnings of up to $1,200 or more.
How much does drone base charge? ›
Drone base mapping flight operations are charged on a per-acre basis + associated costs. Project costs vary greatly depending on the complexity and our clients can expect to pay between $60-$160 per acre.
