Being a professional drone pilot and making a living doing what you love is very alluring. But how much money can you actually make as a drone pilot?
According to Indeed, the median base salary for a drone pilot is $58,752, with 232 salaries reported. Meanwhile, Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a drone pilot is $79k, while the search term "drone operator" shows an average salary of $46,766.
However, it is worth noting that websites like Indeed and Glassdoor do not fully reflect the reality of the drone industry. Most drone operators earn between $35k - $50k, which is above minimum wage and can provide a decent standard of living in most parts of the US. It is possible to make a living as a drone pilot in 2022.
But can you make good money as a drone pilot? The average salary for drone pilots is in the $42-$58K range, with some operators earning six figures from their drone services. In fact, some pilots have even earned close to $500k per year from surveys. However, a study by DroneAnalyst, a drone industry research firm, found that most drone pilots make less than $50k per year, which is below the median annual salary of $68k per household in the US.
The hourly pay for drone pilots also varies widely. According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for a drone pilot in the US is $25.73, with the top 10% making over $100 per hour and the bottom 10% making as little as $10 per hour. The hourly pay depends on the industry and whether the work is freelance or done in-house. Freelance pilots tend to have higher hourly rates, but they may also have to cover their own expenses such as equipment and insurance.
There are certain industries that have higher earning potential for drone pilots, such as survey, mapping, aerial photography and videography, and utilities infrastructure inspection or monitoring. Pilots who specialize in these areas may have a better chance of earning over $100k per year.
In addition to their base pay, some drone pilots may also be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation time, and retirement plans. These benefits can add value to a drone pilot's overall income and should be taken into consideration when evaluating job offers.
Overall, the earning potential for a drone pilot is strong and can be very rewarding for those who are passionate about this field. With the right training and experience, you can build a successful career as a drone pilot and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
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