Also called: Aerial Photographer, UAV Pilot (imaging)
Flies drones to capture aerial photos and video for real estate, construction, film, and events.
They plan flights, check airspace rules, and fly drones over construction sites or golf courses. Then they edit footage or create maps. Weather can cancel a day's work.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 0 years after high school. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate required.
Ways in: Certification, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Photography, Aviation, Geospatial Technology.
Growing faster than average. Growing use in construction, inspection, and media.
Medium risk for 10 years. Autonomous flight automates routine mapping and inspection shots; creative aerial film work still needs skilled pilots.
Age 16+. One way to start: Study the free FAA Part 107 material, then book the knowledge test at a testing center First: FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate (knowledge test)
Classes: Photography or video production, Physics, Earth science or geography.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.