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How Much Do Drone Pilots Make?

Explore the growing demand and earning potential for drone pilots.

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Investing in your education and staying current with industry trends will enhance your earning potential and position you as a leader in the drone industry. [Adobe Stock photo]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The drone industry has experienced significant growth since 2016, leading to a high demand for skilled and certified pilots across diverse sectors like real estate, film, agriculture, and inspections.
  • A drone pilot's earning potential is highly variable, depending on their industry specialization, experience level, geographic location, and employment type (full-time vs. freelance).
  • Average salaries typically range from $40,000 to $100,000 annually, with specialized roles and highly experienced pilots capable of earning six-figure incomes.
  • To maximize earnings, drone pilots are advised to build a strong portfolio, engage in networking, acquire additional certifications beyond the foundational Part 107, and stay updated on evolving industry trends.
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The drone industry’s growth has been nothing short of amazing over the past decade.

The first Part 107 commercial drone pilot rules were enacted in August 2016. Eight years later, there are more than 400,000 certified remote pilots and more than 785,000 registered drones. 

David Daly

David Daly is a professional writer, former Marine Corps officer, and a licensed commercial drone pilot. He is the founder of Vigilante Drones, a drone services company and a co-owner of Altitude University, a leading online educational platform for the drone industry.

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