Commercial Drone Pilot Salary 2026 — National Average, By State + City Wages
Median Commercial Drone Pilot salary 2026: $72,000/year nationally. Entry level $42,000, senior $112,000, top earners $140,000. Hourly: $35/hour. Monthly: $6,000.
75,000 Commercial Drone Pilots employed in US. Job growth 35% projected next 5 years. Required: Certificate/Bachelor's + 1-3 years experience.
Commercial Drone Pilot Salary Breakdown
| Level | Annual | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th %ile) | $42,000 | $20 | $3,500 | $808 |
| Median (50th %ile) | $72,000 | $35 | $6,000 | $1,385 |
| Senior (75th %ile) | $112,000 | $54 | $9,333 | $2,154 |
| Top Earners (90th %ile) | $140,000 | $67 | $11,667 | $2,692 |
Commercial Drone Pilot Career Profile
Key Stats
- Total Jobs: 75,000
- 5-Year Job Growth: 35%
- 5-Year Salary Growth: 25%
- Education: Certificate/Bachelor's
- Experience: 1-3 years
- Industry: Technology
Top States
- 1. California
- 2. Texas
- 3. Florida
- 4. New York
- 5. Colorado
Top Cities
- 1. Los Angeles
- 2. Houston
- 3. Miami
- 4. New York
- 5. Denver
Top Skills + Certifications
Required Skills
Top Certifications
Commercial Drone Pilot Salary by City (Top Markets)
Click any city to see Commercial Drone Pilot salary specific to that local market with cost-of-living adjustment.
About Commercial Drone Pilot Career
Operate unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and delivery applications.
FAQ
What is the average Commercial Drone Pilot salary in 2026?
Average Commercial Drone Pilot salary 2026: $72,000 per year nationally. Entry level: $42,000, senior: $112,000, top earners: $140,000. Hourly equivalent: $35/hour. 75,000 Commercial Drone Pilots currently employed in US. 5-year salary growth: 25%.
What education is required for Commercial Drone Pilot?
Commercial Drone Pilot typically requires Certificate/Bachelor's. Experience: 1-3 years. Industry: Technology. Top skills: FAA Part 107, Aerial Photography, GIS Mapping, Inspection, Flight Planning.
What states pay Commercial Drone Pilots the most?
Top-paying states for Commercial Drone Pilot: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado. Top cities: Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, New York, Denver.
Is Commercial Drone Pilot a good career?
Commercial Drone Pilot has projected job growth of 35% over the next 5 years. Strong above-average growth. Career advancement: entry-level $42,000 → senior $112,000 = 167% career progression.
What certifications help Commercial Drone Pilots earn more?
Top certifications for Commercial Drone Pilot: FAA Part 107, sUAS Certificate.
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Data sources: BLS Occupational Employment + Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2025, BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034. Updated 2026-04-26.