Drone Pilots

Starting salaries for drone pilots range from $50,000 to $60,000, although those who work for military contractors who are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and other countries where the U.S. is currently fighting terrorism have higher earnings (in the $125,000 to $150,000 range). Contractors may receive additional compensation if they are deployed overseas. Unmanned vehicle operations specialists who serve in the U.S. military earn average salaries of $61,460, according to TodaysMilitary.com.

Salaries for drone pilots ranged from $49,500 to $201,000 in 2024, according to ZipRecruiter.com. They earned average salaries of $130,916. GlassDoor.com reports that drone pilots earned average salaries of $101,663 in 2024, and earnings ranged from $76,000 to $142,000.

Employers offer full-time employees a variety of benefit packages, which can include any of the following: paid holidays, vacations, and sick days; personal days; medical, dental, and life insurance; retirement and pension plans; and educational assistance programs.