Commercial Drone Pilot Salary in 2026
Operate unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and delivery applications.
Median Salary
$72,000
$6,000/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$112,000
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
Commercial Drone Pilot Overview
Operate unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and delivery applications.
Education
Certificate/Bachelor's
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
75K
5-Year Growth
+25%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$34.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,000
Commercial Drone Pilot Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Commercial Drone Pilot salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Commercial Drone Pilot Salary
$88,000
$7,333/month · $3,385/biweekly · $42.31/hr
Commercial Drone Pilot Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Commercial Drone Pilot field.
Entry-level Commercial Drone Pilots earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $126,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Commercial Drone Pilots
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| New York | $83,000 | +$11,000 |
| Colorado | $76,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Commercial Drone Pilots
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| Los Angeles | $81,000 | +$9,000 |
| Denver | $76,000 | +$4,000 |
| Miami | $73,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Commercial Drone Pilot Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Commercial Drone Pilot from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$77,000
3-7 years
$112,000
8-14 years
$140,000
15+ years
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Commercial Drone Pilot Salary FAQ
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