Drone Pilots

Revenue in the global UAV market is expected to grow from $30.2 billion in 2024 to $48.5 billion in 2029, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9 percent from 2024 to 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets. The competitive intelligence and market research platform says that "market drivers include rising procurement for military applications, farm management optimization using agricultural drones, increasing use in civil and commercial applications, and sensor and technology development. Restraints include information security risk and lack of qualified and certified drone operators." As a result, employment opportunities for drone pilots will be strong in coming years.

Not everyone is enamored with the growing popularity of drone technology. Civil liberties organizations have raised questions about privacy issues, and some people are worried about the risk of commercial drones injuring, or even killing, people on the ground or colliding with planes and helicopters. If a major incident occurs, legislation may be passed that limits the usage of drones in certain areas.

It’s expected that the U.S. government will continue to use drones both domestically and internationally, and funding for drone research has increased in recent years. The U.S. Air Force is currently experiencing a shortage of drone pilots due to its many engagements overseas and the stressful nature of the profession. As a result, opportunities should be good for drone pilots who serve in the military and who work for defense contractors.