Drone Pilot Jobs in California

A Drone Pilot in the transportation industry operates unmanned aircrafts, commonly known as drones, for various purposes such as delivering goods, inspecting infrastructure, and acquiring aerial data. They are responsible for navigating the drones safely and efficiently, ensuring adherence to regulations, maintaining the drones, and conducting pre-flight inspections. Crucially, they are also tasked with interpreting and analyzing data collected by the drone. Therefore, essential skills for a Drone Pilot include excellent hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, technical proficiency, analytical abilities, understanding of aviation laws, and strong communication skills.

Before becoming a Drone Pilot, a candidate may have held roles such as a survey technician, where they would acquire skills in data collection and analysis; or as a photographer or videographer, where they could gain familiarity with drone operation for capturing images or footage. In some cases, a background in logistics or transportation could also be beneficial. Drone Pilots should be certified by a recognized authority, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. This often requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test, hence, a good understanding of aviation is necessary. Further, having a Remote Pilot Certificate or similar credentials is typically a requirement for professional Drone Pilots.

1-10 of 10 Jobs

Autonomous Vehicle Operator

  • IntelliPro Group
  • Sunnyvale, CA
  • 5 days ago
  • Sunnyvale, CA
  • 5 days ago

Fleet Operations Data Collection/ Autonomous Vehicle Driver Duration: 6 months (Possible extension based on Performance) Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Onsite) Shift: Monday-Friday (8-5 PM) Pay...

In Person

Autonomous Vehicle Operator, Los Angeles (PM Shift, 12-Month Duration)

  • Nuro
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 8 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 8 days ago

This is a temporary, full-time position with full benefits, with an expected end date of 12 months from hire. This position is based on site in Los Angeles, CA, with the first 2 weeks of training...

In Person

Autonomous Vehicle Operator, Los Angeles (AM Shift, 12-Month Duration)

  • Nuro
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 8 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 8 days ago

This is a temporary, full-time position with full benefits, with an expected end date of 12 months from hire. This position is based on site in Los Angeles, CA, with the first 2 weeks of training...

In Person

Autonomous Vehicle Operator

  • Royalty Hospitality Staffing
  • San Francisco, CA
  • 27 days ago
  • San Francisco, CA
  • 27 days ago

Royalty Staffing is currently hiring Autonomous Vehicle Operator in San Francisco for our client who is a growing ride-share company. This is an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of...

In Person

Drone Operator Needed

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 28 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 28 days ago

Drone Operator Needed (Los Angeles) compensation: $100/flat rate Drone Operator Needed - must use own drone with 4k 24fps capability no must have no license required drone like dji mini series DJI drone...

In Person

UAV Operator, Bolt

  • Anduril
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • 28 days ago
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • 28 days ago

UAV Operator, Bolt Anduril Costa Mesa, CA, USA USD 113k-149k / year + Equity Posted on Mar 19, 2026 Apply now Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S....

In Person

Drone Operator

  • Online
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
  • 30+ days ago
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
  • 30+ days ago

Looking for a drone operator based in the Rancho Sante Fe area for a documentary style brand video for a local client in the area. Please describe what type/model of drone you fly...

In Person

15W UAV Operator

  • Army National Guard
  • San Miguel, CA
  • 30+ days ago
  • San Miguel, CA
  • 30+ days ago

Military drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are used in the field to gather intelligence for tactical operations. As an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator in the Army National...

In Person

Field Drone Technician

  • Mach Industries
  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • 60+ days ago
  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • 60+ days ago

in Arms Regulations (ITAR)....

In Person

UAV Operator, Maneuver Dominance

  • ANDURIL INDUSTRIES
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • 60+ days ago
  • Costa Mesa, CA
  • 60+ days ago

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business...

In Person

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Drone Pilot Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTransportation curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Private Pilot Ground School
This is a three-day workshop that took place during the MIT Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January, 2019. This workshop aims to provide information for students to prepare for the FAA...
Introduction to Drones
Have you ever wondered how to make a drone? This drone course will clearly teach you the steps that you need to take before flying a drone. It begins with an introduction to the software tools...
Pilot Portraits
Take a flight to North Dakota and learn how to make pilot portraits! Join Moose at the Minot Aero Center where he takes to the tarmac to photograph pilots and their aircraft. Moose takes you...

Salary for Drone Pilot Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTransportation research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Drone Pilot positions.



Highest Education Level

Drone Pilots in California offer the following education background
High School or GED
39.2%
Vocational Degree or Certification
23.6%
Bachelor's Degree
17.5%
Associate's Degree
10.2%
Master's Degree
5.1%
Some College
2.4%
Some High School
1.2%
Doctorate Degree
0.7%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Drone Pilots in California
2-4 years
51.4%
4-6 years
19.8%
1-2 years
8.2%
6-8 years
7.3%
10+ years
7.2%
Less than 1 year
6.1%



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