The drone industry is rapidly growing, and with it, the demand for skilled drone pilots, operators, and related professionals is on the rise. If you’re looking to join this exciting field, you’re probably wondering where to find drone jobs. In this article, we’ll explore the top sources for drone job opportunities, from online platforms to industry-specific job boards, and even provide tips on how to increase your chances of landing your dream drone-related job.
Online Job Platforms
The internet is a treasure trove of job opportunities, and drone jobs are no exception. Here are some of the top online platforms to find drone-related job openings:
Drone Pilot Jobs
- Droners.io: This platform is dedicated exclusively to drone jobs, featuring a wide range of listings from top companies in the industry. With a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive job search function, Droners.io is a go-to resource for drone pilots and enthusiasts.
- We Work Remotely: While not exclusively focused on drone jobs, We Work Remotely is a popular platform featuring a variety of remote and flexible job listings, including drone-related opportunities.
Freelance and Contract Work
- Upwork: As one of the largest freelance marketplaces, Upwork features a range of drone-related job postings, from aerial photography and videography to drone inspection and surveying.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is another popular platform where you can find drone-related freelance work, including drone photography, videography, and editing services.
Industry-Specific Job Boards
In addition to online platforms, industry-specific job boards are a great resource for finding drone jobs. Here are a few notable ones:
Aerial and Aviation Job Boards
- AerialJobs.com: This job board is dedicated to aerial and aviation job listings, including drone pilot, operator, and maintenance positions.
- AviationJobNet: While not exclusively focused on drone jobs, AviationJobNet features a range of aviation-related job listings, including drone-related opportunities.
Photography and Videography Job Boards
- Mandy.com: Mandy.com is a leading job platform for film and television production professionals, featuring drone-related job listings for aerial cinematography and photography.
- ProductionHUB: ProductionHUB is a job board and resource platform for the production industry, including drone-related job listings for aerial photography and videography.
Company Websites
Many companies involved in the drone industry post job openings on their own websites. Here are a few notable companies to check out:
Established Drone Companies
- DJI: As one of the leading drone manufacturers, DJI often posts job openings on their website, including positions for drone pilots, engineers, and sales professionals.
- Insitu: Insitu, a leading provider of drone-based solutions, frequently posts job openings on their website, including positions for drone pilots, operators, and engineers.
Emerging Drone Startups
- SkyPixel: SkyPixel, a drone-based photography and videography platform, occasionally posts job openings on their website, including positions for drone pilots, editors, and marketing professionals.
- Aerofarm: Aerofarm, a company focused on indoor agriculture and drone-based crop monitoring, sometimes posts job openings on their website, including positions for drone pilots, engineers, and data analysts.
Networking and Job Fairs
Networking and attending job fairs are essential for finding drone jobs. Here are a few ways to connect with industry professionals and stay informed about job opportunities:
Drone Conferences and Events
- InterDrone: InterDrone is one of the largest drone conferences in the world, featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and exhibitors from the drone industry.
- Drones UAV Expo: This Expo is a leading event for the drone industry, featuring exhibitors, workshops, and keynote speakers from top companies and organizations.
Professional Associations
- AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International): AUVSI is a leading trade organization for the drone industry, offering job postings, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
- Drone Pilot Ground School: This online community and training platform offers a job board, networking opportunities, and resources for drone pilots and enthusiasts.
Tips for Landing Drone Jobs
While finding drone job opportunities is important, it’s equally crucial to stand out as a candidate and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Build a Strong Portfolio
- Create a professional portfolio showcasing your drone-related skills, such as aerial photography, videography, or inspection services.
- Share your portfolio on platforms like Droners.io, Upwork, or Fiverr to attract potential clients and employers.
Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Developments
- Follow leading drone manufacturers, industry professionals, and organizations on social media to stay informed about the latest trends and job opportunities.
- Attend drone conferences and events to network with industry professionals and learn about new developments in the field.
Develop In-Demand Skills
- Invest in training and certification programs to develop skills in high demand, such as aerial cinematography, drone inspection, or data analysis.
- Consider obtaining a Part 107 commercial drone pilot license to increase your job prospects.
Network and Collaborate
- Join online communities and forums dedicated to drone enthusiasts and professionals to network and collaborate with others in the field.
- Participate in drone-related projects and collaborations to build your network and gain experience.
In conclusion, finding drone jobs requires a combination of online job searching, industry-specific job boards, company websites, and networking. By staying informed about the latest developments in the drone industry, building a strong portfolio, and developing in-demand skills, you can increase your chances of landing your dream drone job. Remember to stay proactive, persistent, and creative in your job search, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box to find opportunities that match your skills and passions.
What kind of skills do I need to get a drone job?
To get a drone job, you’ll typically need a combination of technical and creative skills. On the technical side, you should have a solid understanding of drone technology, including the mechanics of drones, their sensors and cameras, and the software used to operate them. You may also need to be proficient in data analysis and processing, as many drone jobs involve collecting and interpreting data. On the creative side, you should have strong photography and videography skills, as well as the ability to think critically and creatively.
In terms of specific skills, many employers require drone pilots to have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which involves passing a written exam and undergoing a background check. You may also need to have a degree in a field such as computer science, engineering, or a related field, and experience working with drones and related software.
What are the most in-demand drone jobs?
Some of the most in-demand drone jobs include aerial photography and videography, data analysis and processing, and drone piloting. Aerial photography and videography are highly sought after in industries such as film and television production, real estate, and construction. Data analysis and processing are critical in industries such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and surveying. Drone piloting is a key skill in industries such as package delivery, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspection.
These jobs are in high demand because drones are increasingly being used to gather data and footage that would be difficult or impossible to obtain using traditional methods. As a result, companies are looking for skilled professionals who can operate drones safely and efficiently, and who can collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions.
How much can I expect to make in a drone job?
Salaries for drone jobs vary widely depending on factors such as the industry, location, level of experience, and specific job duties. However, here are some general salary ranges to give you an idea of what you can expect: aerial photographers and videographers can earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year; data analysts and processors can earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year; and drone pilots can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year.
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific company and industry you’re working in. Additionally, many drone professionals work as freelancers or contractors, which can affect their earning potential.
Can I work freelance or contract as a drone professional?
Yes, many drone professionals work as freelancers or contractors, which can offer a range of benefits including flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to choose your own projects and clients. Freelance drone professionals may work on a project-by-project basis, providing services such as aerial photography and videography, data collection, and drone piloting to clients across a variety of industries.
However, freelance work can also come with its own set of challenges, such as finding steady work, managing your own business and finances, and staying up-to-date with industry developments and regulations. Additionally, freelance drone professionals may need to invest in their own equipment and software, which can be a significant upfront cost.
What kind of industries use drones?
Drones are being used in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, environmental monitoring, film and television production, infrastructure inspection, package delivery, real estate, search and rescue, and surveying. In agriculture, drones are being used to monitor crop health, detect pests and diseases, and apply fertilizers and pesticides. In construction, drones are being used to monitor site progress, inspect buildings and bridges, and detect defects.
Other industries are using drones in innovative ways, such as using drones to deliver packages, monitor wildlife populations, and even provide internet access to remote areas. As drone technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more industries adopt drones as a key tool in their operations.
Is it hard to get hired as a drone professional?
As with any field, getting hired as a drone professional can be competitive, especially as the industry continues to grow and more people become interested in drone work. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired: first, make sure you have the necessary skills and certifications, such as a Remote Pilot Certificate and experience with drone operation and data analysis.
Second, build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience, whether it’s through a website, social media, or a physical portfolio. Finally, network with other drone professionals and industry leaders to learn about job opportunities and stay up-to-date with industry developments.
What kind of prospects are there for advancement in drone jobs?
As the drone industry continues to grow and evolve, there are many opportunities for advancement in drone jobs. With experience and additional training, drone professionals can move into leadership roles, such as management or director positions, or start their own businesses providing drone services to clients.
Additionally, as new industries and applications for drones emerge, drone professionals can move into new and exciting areas, such as drone software development, data analysis, or research and development. With the right skills and experience, the opportunities for advancement in drone jobs are virtually limitless.