Aviation & Aerospace
Commercial Drone Pilot (UAS)
Operate drones for film, surveying, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and public safety. Fast-growing field with a 2-month cert.
no-degree-requiredquick-starthigh-growthremote-friendly
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$42k
$70k
$110k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+20%
+20% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
8,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Certification Online
FAA Part 107 sUAS Certificate
Time
1–3 months
Cost
$200 – $1,500
Best ROI cert in aviation. Specialize (thermography, agriculture, surveying) for premium rates.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Attainability breakdown
What are the odds
you actually get there?
Six factors weighted to estimate the realistic probability a motivated person reaches this outcome. Higher = more attainable.
79
Composite
Attainability Score
Data-backed
- Educational difficultyHow hard the required schooling is to complete9220%
- Licensing & examsPass rates and difficulty of required exams8015%
- Entry-job competitionHow many applicants per open entry-level role7020%
- Career stay-rateInverse of early-career attrition / industry exit6015%
- Market demandOpenings vs available workforce8015%
- Alternative pathsHow many viable ways exist to enter the field9015%
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
1–3 months
You'd spend (avg)
$850
Starting salary
$42,000
Mid-career
$70,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · FAA