How to Become a UAV Operator

Are you interested in learning how to become a UAV operator? With drone applications becoming more and more diverse, there’s a growing demand for pilots in this sphere. But what do you need to do to go down this career path - and is it a smart one to go down? 

This article will explore the necessary steps in becoming a qualified UAV pilot while taking a closer look at the current and projected career opportunities available right now. 

How to Become a UAV Pilot - Key Steps To Follow

First of all, you will need formal qualifications to fly a drone for commercial or government purposes. In the US, this involves getting a Remote Pilot Certificate under the current Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The point of the certificate is to prove you understand all the current rules and operating procedures for flying drones in the US. 

To obtain your certificate, you’ll need to follow these steps: 

• Step 1 - Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN): You can get one of these by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). Effectively, it puts you in the FAA system and will be your tracking number if you gain your Remote Pilot Certificate. 

• Step 2 - Book the Unmanned Aircraft General Small (UAG) Knowledge Test: This is the test that determines if you become a remote drone pilot or not. It contains 60 questions and you need to score 70% or higher to pass. You must book your test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. 

• Step 3 - Study For The Test: Spend time studying for the Small (UAG) Knowledge Test so you’re ready when the date comes around. The FAA provides study materials for you to use, which will help you get a grasp of the types of questions you’ll be asked. It’s important to study because the test itself costs $175 to take each time. 

• Step 4 - Complete FAA Form 8710-13 After Passing The Test: Well done, you passed the test! Now, you can log into the IACRA website using your FTN and fill in form 8710-13 to obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate. 

• Step 5 - Register Your Drone & Look For Work: Lastly, register your drone at FAADroneZone to legally be allowed to use it for work. After this, you can start looking for UAV pilot jobs and earn money flying your drone! 

It sounds like there’s a lot of information, but most of the process involves filling in the right forms and creating the necessary accounts. The hardest part is passing the knowledge test - but a good amount of studying will help you get 70% on your first attempt. 

Moreover, please be aware of the eligibility requirements for getting a Remote Pilot Certificate: 

• You need to be 16 or older
• You must be able to speak, read, and write English 
• You must be in a good physical and mental condition to fly drones safely

Tick those boxes and you’re ready to pass the Unmanned Aircraft General Small (UAG) Knowledge Test and kickstart your journey. 

UAV Operator Career Prospects

There’s a reason you’re interested in learning how to become a UAV operator, and it’s not just because flying a drone for a living sounds pretty cool. It’s fairly obvious that this career path is going to be prosperous both now and in the future – think about how many uses there are for drones now compared to a decade or two ago. 

The facts back this up; labor market information and analysis shows that there will be over 100,000 UAV jobs available across the US in 2025 alone. This figure is expected to continue rising in the next few years as more and more industries recognize the need for drones across countless applications. 

It’s also worth pointing out that the FAA reported over 1 million drone registrations on its platform in April 2025. That means there are loads of potential drone pilots out there looking for work, further proving that this is a thriving and competitive career path. 

UAV Pilot Salaries

How much do UAV pilots make? Let’s be honest, it’s one of the first questions out of your mouth when you consider a career like this. It depends on where you look, though ZipRecruiter puts the average annual salary at $113,105 for UAV operators nationwide. According to their data, your salary could be as low as $54,000 or as high as $199,500. 

However, you should take these figures with a slight pinch of salt. Other recruitment websites report similar numbers, yet there are big discrepancies and differences depending on what industry you work in. UAV Coach has a fantastic resource on this that breaks down the average drone pilot salary by industry - here’s a hint: Aerospace and Defense is the most rewarding sector, offering an average salary that exceeds $200,000. By contrast, drone pilots in the Transportation industry may only receive $85,000 a year. 

UAV Pilot Job Options

Gaining your Remote Pilot Certificate means you can legally operate a drone for money, though some jobs may require additional training. It depends on what you’re doing and the industry you’re working in. Regardless, here are some of the most common and popular jobs you can apply for as a UAV pilot: 

• Real Estate Drone Videographer
• Construction Site Drone Operator
• First Response Drone Pilot
• Firefighting Drone Operator
• Military Support Drone Pilot

The possibilities for drone operators are endless, from high-stakes industries like public safety and infrastructure inspection to creative fields like photography and cinematography. As you map out your career path, think carefully about the level of responsibility you want to take on and the environments you’re passionate about working in. With careful deliberation and the right training and certification, you’ll be well on your way. Start by earning your Remote Pilot Certificate and from there, the sky’s the limit.