That's the short and general answer. But it's actually more complicated than that. There is some debate among experts about whether drone pilots make a lot of money or not. According to some industry sources, a career as a drone pilot can be quite lucrative.
You can often earn six-figure salaries with just a few years of experience and strong technical skills. Let's explore the various factors that affect drone pilots' salaries and I'll offer some tips on how to set competitive rates to maximize your revenues in the drone industry. It's worth spending the money to get one and learn how to fly your drone properly, instead of trying to become a commercial drone pilot without the need for practical training. Not to mention that, for the time being, and probably in the near future, the FAA regulations for flying drones require a pilot to be in command of the drone at all times.
Some companies use drones to take aerial photos and videos for marketing purposes, while other companies use drones for aerial surveillance. Only 6 drone pilots, or 15% of the 37, said they didn't plan to undergo the renewal test because they weren't making money in the drone industry. Drone U offers more than 40 on-demand drone courses designed to prepare you and help you move up the pay scale quickly. Many companies, such as law enforcement, emergency response, construction, and electrical or utility infrastructure, are hiring certified pilots to do in-house drone work, creating employment opportunities for professional drone pilots.
Be sure to research drone pilots in your area and draw up a business plan before buying a drone. Therefore, autonomous flying drone pilots can earn higher hourly wages than full-time employed drone pilots. Even considering drone insurance and marketing, the initial cost of a drone business is relatively low. Organizations are starting to use drones for various purposes, such as delivering packages, inspecting buildings and infrastructure, controlling crops and livestock, inspecting areas damaged after a natural disaster, etc.
At the most basic level, commercial drone pilots fly drones for companies in various sectors for various purposes. Most professional drone pilots are hired as freelancers for projects, since it is more convenient to hire a drone operator that is available locally. Many companies don't employ full-time drone pilots, but instead hire people to fly drones for specific projects.