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Drone Pilot

Also known as: UAV Operator, Commercial Drone Operator, UAS Pilot, Aerial Photographer / Drone

AI Impact Score

40/100

AI is automating routine drone flights and image analysis, but complex mission planning, regulatory compliance, and judgment-intensive applications like infrastructure inspection and search-and-rescue remain human-piloted.

$45k – $95k

Salary Range

booming

Growth Outlook

32,000

Total Jobs (US)

+28%

Growth Rate

Task Breakdown

Tasks at Risk (3)

Routine mapping and survey flightsBasic aerial photographyStandard inspection passes

AI-Enhanced Tasks (4)

AI-assisted flight path planningAutomated image analysis (cracks, defects)Real-time telemetry monitoringAutomated progress reporting

Human-Safe Tasks (5)

FAA compliance and waiversComplex airspace coordinationEmergency response operationsCustom mission designClient technical consultation

Current Skills

FAA Part 107 OperationsFlight PlanningAerial Photography/VideographyMission Planning SoftwareAircraft Pre-flight and Safety

Future-Proof Skills

Autonomous Flight SystemsAI Data Analysis (Pix4D, DroneDeploy)BVLOS OperationsThermal and Multispectral ImagingPublic Safety Operations

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