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Commercial Drone Pilot Salary in Anchorage, AK — 2026

Commercial Drone Pilot salary data for Anchorage, AK — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

The median Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage, AK is $91,440 per year ($7,620/month, $44/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 127, which is 27% above the national average.

Also known as: Drone Operator, UAV Pilot, Commercial Drone Operator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot, RPAS Pilot. Salary data on this page applies to all of these job titles in Anchorage, AK.

Entry Level
$53K
$26/hr
Median
$91K
$44/hr
Senior
$142K
$68/hr
Top Earner
$178K
$85/hr

Commercial Drone Pilot Take-Home Pay in Anchorage

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$91,440
Federal Tax-$11,731
State Tax (0.0%)-$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$6,995
Annual Take-Home$72,714
Monthly Take-Home$6,060

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.4%
Median Home Price$340,000
Cost of Living Index127
City Median Salary$72,800
Commercial Drone Pilot vs City Median+$18,640

Commercial Drone Pilot Requirements

Education
Certificate/Bachelor's
Experience
1-3 years
Job Growth
35.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

FAA Part 107Aerial PhotographyGIS MappingInspectionFlight Planning

Anchorage Job Market Overview

Anchorage, Alaska has a population of 291,247 and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. The top industries are Oil & Gas, Military, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 0.5%, and the average commute time is 22 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage, AK?
The median Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage, AK is $91,440 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 127. Entry-level Commercial Drone Pilots earn around $53,340, while senior-level professionals can earn $142,240 or more.
How much does a Commercial Drone Pilot take home in Anchorage after taxes?
A Commercial Drone Pilot earning the median salary of $91,440 in Anchorage, AK takes home approximately $72,714 per year ($6,060/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.5%.
Is Anchorage a good city for Commercial Drone Pilots?
Anchorage, AK has a cost of living index of 127 (above national average). Commercial Drone Pilots here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.5% and top industries include Oil & Gas, Military, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Commercial Drone Pilot in Anchorage?
Key skills for Commercial Drone Pilots include FAA Part 107, Aerial Photography, GIS Mapping, Inspection, Flight Planning. Typical education requirement is Certificate/Bachelor's. Valuable certifications include FAA Part 107, sUAS Certificate.
How does Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage compare to the national average?
The national median Commercial Drone Pilot salary is $72,000. In Anchorage, the adjusted salary is $91,440, which is 27.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage, AK?

The median Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage, AK is $91,440 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 127. Entry-level Commercial Drone Pilots earn around $53,340, while senior-level professionals can earn $142,240 or more.

How much does a Commercial Drone Pilot take home in Anchorage after taxes?

A Commercial Drone Pilot earning the median salary of $91,440 in Anchorage, AK takes home approximately $72,714 per year ($6,060/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.5%.

Is Anchorage a good city for Commercial Drone Pilots?

Anchorage, AK has a cost of living index of 127 (above national average). Commercial Drone Pilots here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.5% and top industries include Oil & Gas, Military, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Commercial Drone Pilot in Anchorage?

Key skills for Commercial Drone Pilots include FAA Part 107, Aerial Photography, GIS Mapping, Inspection, Flight Planning. Typical education requirement is Certificate/Bachelor's. Valuable certifications include FAA Part 107, sUAS Certificate.

How does Commercial Drone Pilot salary in Anchorage compare to the national average?

The national median Commercial Drone Pilot salary is $72,000. In Anchorage, the adjusted salary is $91,440, which is 27.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.