Landing Your First Job in the Drone Industry

Drone jobs encompass a wide range of roles. Drone pilot jobs are what most of us think about, but those are not limited to just pilots. As a pilot, you might find yourself photographing luxury real estate, mapping a construction site, or monitoring the crop health of a large field. Beyond piloting are roles such as the engineers who design drones, the teams of marketing and salespeople that sell them, and analysts who process and interpret the data drones collect, just to name a few.

If you’d like to take a shot at earning six figures in the drone industry, we’ll set you on the right path. We’ll discuss the skills you need, how to find jobs, prepare for an interview, and other important tips that will help you succeed. Whether you are looking to pilot drones or do the work that supports the pilot, you are in the right place.

A quick side note: You can choose to work for an existing business or start your own. Working for someone else typically can lead to bigger annual earnings as well as benefits such as medical, dental, and a 401(k). Regardless of which path you choose, our advice will still help you along the way.

The education and training requirements vary significantly based on your role in the drone industry. Drone pilots may only need to get the Part 107 certification, while an engineer designing lidar cameras for drones would need extensive academic training and, most likely, years of industry experience. That being said, we’ll cover education and training in general. Once you focus on the drone job opportunities you want to pursue, make sure to research what specific education and training is needed for that role.

Degrees and certifications are the foundation you’ll need to secure a drone pilot job or another position in the industry. It’s also a good idea to pick up some technical skills and soft skills along the way. Here are a few we recommend:

Technical skills:

Soft skills:

Now that you have the skills to jump into the drone industry, you’ll need to know where to find available drone-related jobs. Search engines are a great place to start, but here are a few more specific recommendations.

Building connections in the industry is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know. I’ve personally landed a lot of work from networking. Here are a few suggestions:

Some of the easiest places to find jobs in the drone industry are through job boards. A quick search for drone pilot jobs in your area will likely bring up hundreds of opportunities.

When you are applying for drone jobs, you should expect clients and employers to ask for some proof that you are proficient in your field. For positions that require a degree, this is fairly easy. For people looking to find work as a pilot, you may be asked for a portfolio, flight logs, hours flown, and some examples of your work.

Consider building a professional website to house your portfolio. This can include your résumé, certifications, and contact information, making it easy for potential employers to find and assess your work.

Once you hone in on a specific opportunity, it’s time to get ready for the interview. Depending on your experience, interviews can be something to look forward to or dread. I personally enjoy the interview process, but I know many people who would be happy to never have another interview in their life. The key is to go in prepared. Here are a few ways to do that:

With a solid interview completed and an offer in hand, it’s good to remember a couple of things. First, make sure you are getting a fair offer. Research salary ranges for the role you’re applying for. Websites like Glassdoor or PayScale can provide valuable insights. Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits based on your skills and experience. Second, make sure you know what you are getting into. Once you’ve secured the job, carefully review the terms of employment. During onboarding, take the time to familiarize yourself with the company's tools, protocols, and culture.

Breaking into the drone industry can be challenging, but with the right education, skills, and strategies, you can do it. Continuous learning and professional development are key to staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward your drone career today. Whether it’s enrolling in an online course, attending a networking event, or building your portfolio, every action brings you closer to your goal.

Where can I find drone job opportunities?

Job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific platforms such as DroneDeploy and The Droning Company are great resources. Networking at drone conferences or local meetups can also open doors to new opportunities.

How can I gain hands-on experience as a beginner?

Start by practicing with flight simulators, building your own drones, or joining local drone clubs. These activities help you develop practical skills and connect with experienced professionals.

What education or certifications do I need to start a career in the drone industry?

Most drone-related roles require at least an FAA Part 107 certification for commercial operations. While formal degrees in aviation, engineering, or computer science are optional, they can provide a competitive edge for advanced roles.