A drone license qualifies you for commercial jobs in aerial photography, inspections, surveying, agriculture, public safety, and film production. The specific jobs you can get with a drone license range from real estate photographer to infrastructure inspector, each requiring the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for legal operation.
What jobs can you get with a drone license
Aerial photographer and videographer, drone surveyor and 3D mapper, precision agriculture specialist, infrastructure and industrial inspector, public safety and search and rescue pilot, construction and real estate development monitor, environmental researcher and conservationist, and film and entertainment drone operator are the primary career paths. Each role applies drone technology to solve industry-specific problems, from marketing properties to monitoring crop health.
What is an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate
The "drone license" for commercial operations in the United States is officially known as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old, able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition that does not interfere with safe operation. Obtaining the certificate requires passing the Unmanned Aircraft General, Small (UAG) aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center, which consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 70% or higher. The application process involves creating an IACRA account to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), scheduling and passing the knowledge test, and then submitting FAA Form 8710-13 electronically via IACRA. Commercial operations under Part 107 generally require the drone to weigh less than 55 pounds, including its payload. Core operating rules include flying at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) (unless within 400 feet of a structure), maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS), and operating only during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting. Operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E) require prior authorization from air traffic control (ATC), often obtained through the LAANC system. There is no formal medical certificate required for Part 107 operations; however, pilots must be physically and mentally capable of safely operating their aircraft.
Aerial photographer and videographer
This role captures high-quality images and video for real estate marketing, event coverage, and advertising or cinematography. Real estate agents hire drone operators to showcase properties with aerial shots that reveal size, location, and surroundings. Event organizers use drone footage for concerts, festivals, and weddings to provide immersive perspectives. Advertising agencies and film production companies seek operators who can execute creative camera movements for commercials, music videos, and documentaries. Deliverables include edited photo galleries, video reels, and raw footage for clients who need compelling visual content.
Drone surveyor and 3D mapper
Land surveying companies, construction firms, engineering firms, and government agencies employ drone operators to conduct land surveys, topographic mapping, and site inspections. Using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors, operators collect aerial imagery and create 3D models of terrain, buildings, and infrastructure. This data supports urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and land management. The work reduces the time and cost of traditional ground-based methods while accessing hard-to-reach areas like steep slopes or hazardous terrains.
Precision agriculture specialist
Farmers and agricultural service providers hire drone operators to monitor crop health, manage irrigation, and apply treatments. Drones equipped with specialized sensors capture high-resolution imagery that reveals water distribution, nutrient levels, and signs of disease or pest infestation. Operators identify problem areas and provide recommendations for intervention. Using GPS technology, drones can precisely apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to specific field sections, minimizing waste and environmental impact. This role saves time by surveying large areas quickly and supports data-driven decisions that optimize crop yields.
Infrastructure and industrial inspector
Industries including construction, energy, and telecommunications rely on drone operators to inspect cell towers, bridges, power lines, wind turbines, and pipelines. Drones with high-resolution and thermal imaging cameras detect cracks, corrosion, misalignment, or other structural issues without requiring manual climbs or scaffolding. In the energy sector, operators inspect solar panels and oil and gas facilities for maintenance needs and environmental factors. Telecommunications companies use drones to survey antenna arrays and check signal strength. This role reduces inspection costs, improves safety by eliminating hazardous manual access, and provides detailed data for maintenance planning.
Public safety and search and rescue pilot
Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and search and rescue teams deploy drone operators to support emergency operations. Drones with thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures to locate missing persons in difficult terrain, such as dense forests or collapsed buildings. Operators provide real-time aerial footage to command centers, helping assess disaster damage and identify safe routes for rescue teams. Drones equipped with loudspeakers or payload delivery systems can communicate with stranded individuals or drop essential supplies like water and first aid kits, the same delivery precision that lets you order walmart drone delivery to your backyard. This role directly contributes to saving lives during crises.
Construction and real estate development monitor
Construction managers and real estate developers hire drone operators for site progress tracking, 3D site modeling, and property condition assessments. Drones capture detailed aerial images and create accurate 3D models of construction sites, helping project managers visualize progress, identify issues, and track inventory. During construction, operators inspect building facades, roofs, and structures for flaws or deviations from plans. In the infrastructure sector, drones inspect bridges, roads, and railways for wear and structural integrity. LiDAR-equipped drones generate topographic maps for land surveying, supporting accurate planning and execution of large-scale projects.
Environmental researcher and conservationist
Research institutions and conservation agencies employ drone operators for wildlife monitoring, coastal erosion mapping, and pollution tracking. Drones with specialized sensors survey forests, bodies of water, and remote ecosystems to collect data on biodiversity, habitat changes, and human impact. In wildlife conservation, operators count and track animal populations, monitor migration patterns, and detect poaching activities without disturbing natural behaviors. Drones also map coastal erosion, monitor deforestation, study climate change effects, and assess coral reef health. This role provides non-invasive, cost-effective data collection for environmental science and emergency response.
Film and entertainment drone operator
Movie studios, commercial production companies, and live event organizers hire drone operators to capture cinematic aerial footage. Drones with high-resolution cameras and stabilization systems create sweeping establishing shots, follow characters through landscapes, and capture dynamic action sequences. Operators work on films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials, providing creative camera movement that enhances storytelling. For live events like concerts and sports, drones capture crowd-scale footage and unique perspectives. This role demands technical skill in flight control and artistic vision to deliver footage that stands out on streaming platforms and in theaters.
Start your drone career
Passing the Part 107 knowledge test is the first step to entering any of these careers. For detailed guidance on buying, building and flying drones, you can find resources covering everything from equipment selection to flight training. The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate unlocks legal commercial operation, and the resources on Drones: Buying, Building and Flying help you prepare for the test and choose the right drone for your target industry.
