Category
Aviation
What It Is
Operates unmanned aircraft (drones) for photography, inspection, agriculture, mapping, or public safety.
Best For
People who want an aviation-adjacent career with low upfront training cost and flexible/freelance options.
Avoid If
You need a highly structured, single-employer career path; much of this field is freelance or contract-based.
Degree Required
No degree. FAA Part 107 certification is the only formal requirement, studied for over a few weeks.
Skills Needed
Technical aptitude, spatial awareness, basic photography/data skills for niche applications, FAA regulation knowledge.
Training Path
Self-study for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam, then build a portfolio through freelance or part-time work.
Certs / Licenses
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Time to First Job
1-2 months of study for certification; building a client base takes longer.
Cost to Enter
$300-$3,000 for exam prep, drone equipment, and insurance.
Income Range
General estimate: highly variable freelance income, $30,000-$60,000+ full-time depending on specialty (inspection, mapping, real estate). Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Drone Operator, UAS Pilot.
Companies Hiring
Real estate/marketing agencies, construction/inspection firms, agriculture companies, public safety agencies.
Best Next Step
Get Part 107 certified, then build a small portfolio in one niche (real estate, inspection, or agriculture) before marketing your services.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Illinois Aviation Academy – West Chicago, Illinois (4.7★, 83 reviews)
- Chicago Executive Flight School – Wheeling, Illinois (4.6★, 131 reviews)
- Avel Flight School / Flight Dispatcher School in Chicago, Illinois, USA – West Chicago, Illinois (4.5★, 75 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.