From the ground, you fly drones for mapping, inspection, or research, controlling aircraft and sensors to capture data from the air. Flying without leaving the ground.
The work runs through planning and flying drone missions, operating cameras and sensors, following airspace rules, and processing the data you collect. You're a pilot and a data operator at once, and regulations and airspace shape every flight, so planning matters as much as flying.
What surprises people is how much is rules, paperwork, and data, not just flying: certifications, flight logs, and post-processing fill the day. The field is young and shifting, weather and airspace can scrub a mission, and the technology and rules keep changing. Settings span surveying, agriculture, inspection, film, and research.
It tends to fit someone technical, careful, and comfortable with both flight and data. If you pictured pure flying or want a settled field, the paperwork and flux can frustrate. But if you like operating cutting-edge tech and a fast-growing field with real range, the work tends to be engaging and expanding.
Turn your career record
into a springboard for growth.
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Turn your career record
into a springboard for growth.
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
From the ground, you fly drones for mapping, inspection, or research, controlling aircraft and sensors to capture data from the air. Flying without leaving the ground.
Median pay for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot) is about $79K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $36K to $192K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and Troubleshooting.
Most people in this role hold a bachelor's degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 1.6% through 2034, with roughly 133,120 people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Drone Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator).
Do one small thing to grow in your career this week. Pick one of these; each comes with the words to use.
More career advice
We believe careers grow through small steps taken often, more than big leaps. So we’ve collected hundreds of them for you to try.
Browse career adviceDon't know if you want to stay in your job?
Get your career on record. Then decide.