Also called: Drone Pilot, Aerial DP
Flies camera drones to capture sweeping aerial shots for films, commercials, sports, and real estate.
A drone cinematographer checks airspace rules and weather, then flies a heavy-lift drone along a coastline while a second operator controls the camera. They might shoot a car chase from above in the morning and a wedding at sunset.
Approximate. Hobby-to-real-estate work pays modestly; licensed film aerial teams command high day rates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate required; film-specific waivers and lots of practice.
Ways in: Certification, Self-taught, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Cinematography, Aviation, Photography.
Growing faster than average. No separate BLS category; commercial drone use keeps growing.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Autonomous drones fly preset paths and AI makes aerial shots; licensed operators still shoot complex live action and safety-critical flights.
Age 16+. One way to start: Study for the FAA Part 107 exam (16+), then sell aerial photos to real estate agents with a small drone First: FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate (study plus a test-center exam)
Classes: Physics, Photography, Geography, Film/video production CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4031.
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.