How Much Money Does a Professional Drone Pilot Make?

In this video, we'll answer one of the most common questions we get - how much money does a professional drone pilot actually make, and how can I go about finding my own paying clients?
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💰 How much money do drone pilots make: uavcoach.com/drone-pilot-salary/
🎬 Jump to Section
0:00​ B-Roll Footage & Introduction
0:38​ What kind of work are drone pilots hired to do?
1:04​ How should I position myself as a drone pilot?
2:30​ How much can drone pilots actually make?
3:45​ Greg's background and thoughts about pricing & packaging
4:43​ How can I find drone pilot jobs?
9:54 Where to put your drone registration number?
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[@TheDr.OneShow]

One thing I did not hear you mention is utility work for UAS. I’ve been a full-time drone pilot for 6 years and I will continue to champion the utility industry (specifically energy) as the most profitable sector.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, 100% good addition, Brian!

[@niall86]

How do you find / get into the utility work?

[@playernas65]

I would also like to know how you get into that specific type of work in the utility industry.?

[@killerbogges6458]

Can anybody become a professional drone pilot?

[@ParkerUAS]

​@@killerbogges6458 yes and it isn't as daunting as you may think. My recommendation is to get yourself a decent drone to start out with if you don't have one already. A DJI Mini 2 or 3, Autel Nano, or something similar is a great starting point and a drone that stay with you as you progress in experience. Get comfortable flying it and having fun. When you're ready start studying for the Part 107 test. It is a typical FAA written exam, which for those unfamiliar, means it is a complete multiple choice exam where the formula of answer choices is usually: The right answer, the almost right answer, and the You've Got to Be Kidding answer. There are some great programs out there and the Pilot Institute is my personal choice to recommend, but I haven't really seen any bad courses from other entities. Once you have the 107 certificate, put yourself out there. I contacted the realtor I bought my house through and she hooked me up with a few jobs. Once word spread and my portfolio was growing it became really easy to do it as a side gig. You can then search UAS/Drone Operator jobs and find survey work with energy companies, construction/survey, and cell tower inspections among many, many others. Pay really depends on the job, experience, and location. I am able to get $150 for a single residence shoot, $250 for a commercial property, and additional hours billed at $100. I just did an apartment complex that had 9 buildings and required three hours. The was $450 for that shoot. Whether you make it your career or just a hobby that brings in a little extra spending money it is well worth looking at.

[@Mr_RHO]

I m from Chennai , India ... I like the way how he doesn't eat ur time and keep it point to point , cut to chase 👍🏻👍🏻 looking for more contents ❤️ Very useful 👍🏻

[@uavcoach]

Thank you so much 😀

[@aspiringpilot5492]

Hey bro am from Uttar Pradesh india...are u done with drone training under dgca??

[@nickgallegos430]

That’s random , I have a friend moving to Chennai around Oct this year!

[@skelligringphotographyandw7012]

My pricing often depends on what the client can afford, and (sometimes) what they expect to pay, although, this is frequently much lower than I want to charge. If the client is offering me the opportunity to retain copyright (and thus have further use) of photos or video of unusual subject matter, I may agree on a low fee. For example, I recently did a video job for free and resulting still images of a normally inaccessible location are selling to magazines for around $500 per use. On the other hand, I have an upcoming job that will pay $2000 for 3 videos, that should take 4 days to complete - one day shooting and 3 days post processing.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, great insights and thank you for sharing specific examples!

[@skelligringphotographyandw7012]

@@uavcoach Thank you for a great channel!

[@izzyh.3581]

$2000 for 4 days worth of work is a great ratio! Even if you spent 10 hours a day! Did you get a pilot license? Is it necessary? I'm just looking into this field so I'm super brand-new.

[@goldenstandard187]

DONT SHORT CHANGE YOURSELF THAT WILL RUIN THE MARKET

[@joshuaconstable6323]

@@goldenstandard187 good point, pilots need to realize under charging could throw the whole market

[@dronesouth9098]

I started out just walking onto car dealership lots about 10 years ago and offering to take drone videos. Then I would go back every year and reshoot. That turned into working with drag racing tracks for events and then into full time with NASCAR for Hendrick and Axalta. Got my Part 107 the first day the test was available. It got so competitive that I pretty much got out of drone work altogether. I now do documentaries on accidents and do more camera work with a little drone thrown in when needed. I think it really depends on your drive to get more work. I get calls for work all the time, but I am so busy now that I just decline. My experience is that most people that want a drone guy don't want to pay what my time is worth.

[@uavcoach]

Dang, I'm sure you have some fun stories :)

[@martinbakunawa1240]

Spot on as always Greg. Great work! I am closely following your work now and thank you for your content.

[@uavcoach]

Thank you, Martin!

[@titusnixon]

Yea I've been certified part 107 pilot for three years. I must say finding work was not as easy as I thought but after a year of trial and error it paid off now I'm doing pretty much as your video stated.

[@uavcoach]

Love that you stuck with it and glad to hear it's paying off!

[@titusnixon]

@@uavcoach but like the most new industry it changes every 6 months and you gotta be ready because it will happen that I guarantee you on that.

[@uavcoach]

@@titusnixon Ohhh yeah. 100%.

[@edgelineaerialsolutionsllc7615]

@@titusnixon I’m in the finding clientele stages at the moment. I got my license at 16 and have been flying commercially for about two year. Any advice for finding clientele in different fields?

[@goldenstandard187]

💯

[@danielmonan2625]

Great information thanks a lot,no messing around just straight to the point and easy to take in

[@uavcoach]

Thanks, Daniel!

[@Kenny-Ross]

This was EXCELLENT! Thank you so much! Well-presented and very detailed. I'm studying now for the exam. Looking to take it some time next month. Let's see what happens.

[@uavcoach]

Happy studying, Kenny! You'll do great, thanks for the comment!

[@mattstechchannel]

Good luck!! Well…did you pass?

[@brandonthevisionary485]

This really helps I gonna look into it

[@FamauMedia]

Greg! I had no idea about this channel, sick work man. Just passed my A2 CofC (UK) this week, hoping to work on the GVC after the summer wedding rush is over, definitely a route I'm looking to dig into further. Made some great contacts already in different UAV sectors here, it's looking good going forward 👌 Hope your little family's doing well! Keep at it dude 👊

[@uavcoach]

Thanks! Appreciate your comment :)

[@SurfNawls]

I love your videos!! Thank you for all of the wonderful guidance and tips!

[@uavcoach]

We appreciate it! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@aybl1990]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Sahil-ru9xg]

the video was helpful, thank you!

[@uavcoach]

Glad it was helpful, Sahil! Thanks for the comment.

[@Cirillocamera]

Thank you for the great info! I figured I would share my experience- In the tv/film industry I charge between $1200-$2000 per day which includes the rental of my drone equipment. I charge an additional $250 if the client needs an increase in liability insurance. I charge $50-$75/hr to edit my work but it is rare that I will do that as it is more common that my media will be offloaded to a hard drive and handled by a production company post department. I based my rates on other operators in my area from talking amongst ourselves and observing the market

[@uavcoach]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@alwaysquestiongov]

Excellent video

[@sterlingmoore6032]

Very informative and nice. Thank you very much!

[@uavcoach]

You're very welcome!

[@unclep5712]

Excellent! Thank you

[@glennalan]

Wow! Great video thank you very much it was very helpful!

[@uavcoach]

Glad it was helpful, Glenn!

[@KilbyAnthony]

Great advice!

[@uavcoach]

Glad it was helpful, Kilby. Thx for commenting.

[@dronepilotdaddy1852]

Very helpful video!

[@uavcoach]

Glad it was helpful! Love your username :)

[@texaslovelylady]

Thank you for this through look at the outlook of a UAV pilot.

[@uavcoach]

Appreciate it!

[@user-vy8nr8fp2k]

Great video !

[@uavcoach]

Thank you!! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@malissa29soulmoxiefoods]

Great video

[@uavcoach]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AZ-Drone]

Sounds like I'm in the range as well. I don't have "package prices" at present as I bid jobs on a case by case basis. Construction groups that I have worked with have a large array of potential needs, so I consider my time on site doing prep work, time on site gathering stills / video, and post processing time for the final package to meet their deliverable requirements.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, pricing is more art than science. Always best to get a feel for what your customer's needs are first!

[@mfsperring]

Very helpful. This is the second video of yours I've watched and you have a knack for making things less complicated in my head. I'm wondering if you could do a video on getting insurance. Types, general costs what you should get coverage for.

[@uavcoach]

Mark, thanks for your feedback! Yes, we do have a great insurance video, here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqnWp6procSXbsk

[@mfsperring]

@@uavcoach just watched it. Very helpful thank you. I feel a bit foolish for having not checked your play list for this before asking. Your reply is another reason I'm happy to subscribe.

[@uavcoach]

@@mfsperring Don't feel foolish! New drone pilots have to navigate a ton of questions, and it's a bit like drinking from a fire hose. You're not alone :)

[@livus360visuals6]

great video, thanks. I'm a new pilot starting, and this helps. New Sub here !

[@uavcoach]

Welcome aboard, thanks for your comment!

[@alanperkins3131]

Thank you for your videos! They are amazing! It is a perfect channel for people like me who is starting a drone business! Just recently got my FAA UAS license, LLC and Drone...Im gonna start creating my portfolio.

[@uavcoach]

That's great to here! We're so glad you are finding these videos helpful! Best of luck and let us know if you have any more questions! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@raysiposs9822]

I appreciate your information, but it is important to consider your location. Here in southern California, those figures quoted are an express train to failure. When average salaries for software engineers is $250K+ and the prices of houses are $700K+, you won't survive long charging rates like that. Look at what ALL of your costs are, including your partner Uncle Sam and the state. Do not be afraid to charge top dollar. You may be having fun flying in a glamorous industry, but at the end of the day, this is a BUSINESS, and your services need to reflect that "perceived value". As another comment above stated, the race to the bottom is a common one that happens quickly. Also think scalability of your business. Can you afford employees when you charge only enough to pay yourself? Don't be afraid to charge what you are really worth and offering. Don't be afraid. You won't get them all, but at least you won't close up shop due to failure.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, +1 to your points about value-based selling and not being afraid to position yourself as a premium brand/service.

[@johnc.9192]

I concur (BTW, I live in northern CA). I’ve worked on numerous sets for advertising, catalogs, and tourism… The drone pilot day fees range from $2000 to $6000 (flying everything from GoPro‘s to Reds). They always charge from for travel, whether it’s two hours by car, or across the country by plane. If you’re running a business, you have to think of every bit of your overhead, plus retirement. If you’re doing it as a hobby, yet producing professional results, then you still charge a professional rate.

[@joshsalinas9342]

smartest comment here

[@dronesinconstruction]

It’s how much you serve your community ❤

[@uavcoach]

100%, great way of thinking about it.

[@yoshisvlog4011]

great video! I am a Japanese who studied GIS in the US and now is trying to be a drone pilot in Japan. The interesting thing is that Japan doesnt require you to have any certification or license as of now, but I heard starting next year, the gov is gonna implement a new regulation and I think I have to study and be certified

[@uavcoach]

Ooh, that's interesting. Thank you for kind words! I hope the regulations are sensible and not too restrictive.

[@Realitygetreal]

Never doubt political HACKS to find a way to make money off people trying to make a living

[@rafaelestradamoncada4071]

Thank you I’m also studying!

[@uavcoach]

Oho! Happy studying to you, Rafael :)

[@ericjs961]

Hey Greg, decide whether to wear the cap or not... so funny seeing you go from cap on to cap off.

[@Trueblue2053]

Very informative.thanks for your time…. I’m working towards that dji mini2 lol

[@uavcoach]

Good luck! It's a fun model to fly :)

[@pedrobaptista4189]

I nice video!! I'm looking for options for a side job, and drone footage it's one of my options... Hey that shirt!! I come last week from vacations in Spain, bent in Empuria Brava 👍 nice!! I bet you have nice footage from there, it's beautiful!

[@uavcoach]

Pedro, thanks for your comment! Yes, flying a drone can be a great side hustle. Hope you had a fun time in Spain!

[@rgeno6091]

Thanks for the video..very helpful. What software do you use to edit clips? And what's the price on the liability insurance?

[@uavcoach]

Thanks for your comment - you have a bunch of options. The industry-leading software options are Apple's Final Cut Pro, Adobe's Premiere Pro + After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve. That said, I've also used iMovie and other lower-end or free software to cut quick clips together. Hope this helps!

[@tyhusak9298]

Great video. Thanks for the info and concise presentation. I’m retired but do freelance drone work, as well. I occasionally do a job for free, such as a recent celebration of life for a veteran. I have done some real estate work and am doing regular video and still image packages for a construction site. I charge $100 per hour with a one hour minimum. Generally, I can deliver a 5 to 15 minute post processed video plus stills on the construction site for the $100 minimum which meets the clients needs. I also do occasional event videos (non-aerial) and still photography, but base my rates for those on an hourly or package rate depending on circumstances and generally much less than drone rates. As one of the other commenters mentioned any updated info on best insurance (especially per job) would be helpful.

[@uavcoach]

Ty, thanks for your comment! Very helpful. Here's our most up-to-date resource when it comes to drone insurance - uavcoach.com/drone-insurance-guide/

[@dereksmith6097]

Thanks for the video. I am planning to incorporate drone roof inspections into my home inspection business. I will be purchasing your course.

[@uavcoach]

Glad it was helpful! And we look forward to having you study with us. Have worked with a lot of folks doing what you're doing and know the guys over at ICA School (not sure if you went through them for home inspection certification or not).

[@dereksmith6097]

@@uavcoach I am studying with ICA now online and will attend their in person class next week. Attended AHIT back in 2005 but now have to retrain due to leaving the industry. I just purchased a Holy Stone HS720E about an hour ago as my first drone. Hopefully it will get the job done initially.

[@uavcoach]

@@dereksmith6097 Very cool! Stay in touch and let us know what drone questions you have, particularly when you hop into the course and start studying for your exam. Most of the content is relatively straightforward, but a few tricky areas and we are here to help! Blue skies and safe flying to you, Derek.

[@tealtree4019]

Is the ari 2 from mavic a good drone to start with?

[@granitestatepropertyinspec1096]

Just got my A license bro, blue skies. Also Just got my part 107. Great video.

[@uavcoach]

yahoo, blue skies and safe flying to you!

[@AirWorthyTours]

Wow, I fit right in with my pricing. My day rate ranges from $350-$750, depending on the variables. Also, SEO is sooooooo important to get work, because the industry is so young.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, SEO can take time (and money), but it can pay serious dividends if done correctly over the longer term!

[@zipper978]

what is SEO

[@blcaudle]

@@zipper978 Search Engine Optimization.

[@ugpfpv361]

Hopefully your in a cheaper market otherwise your underselling and that's not good for the industry as a whole

[@gabeorozco34able]

I searched up SEO and it took me to a website or I can pay $600 for training, is that what I need to do to be able to find work?

[@luiscordero9171]

How do I get into 360* droning? Is there a type of drone that I have to buy for that? I’m new and want to learn more about this

[@Scottbarnesmarketing]

Excellent content in this video! Just passed my test today and now I am going to start building my website and doing SEO. Fortunately I know how to do all of this work as well. If I am looking for gig work to start off, what website do you recommend that you believe is reputable out of those you listed. Any better than the others? Your help and recommendations are appreciated! I also subscribed to your content :)

[@uavcoach]

Thank you, Scott, and congrats on your new business! Re: the directories, people have mixed success depending on their geography. Have heard success stories re: Drone Base. It's not a moneymaker but a nice way to get some basic client experience as you build up your own leads and customers.

[@Scottbarnesmarketing]

@@uavcoach Right on! I appreciate the follow up! Let me know if you ever need anything. Networking is always king!! I will stay connected. have a great weekend!! ~Scott

[@cflo377]

What was the song you used in your b roll?

[@hbmhenderson]

Very intriguing. As someone seriously considering this as a career which type of drone should I be looking to buy?

[@uavcoach]

Here are our top models, let me know if you have any specific questions but this is a good list to start your research - uavcoach.com/drone-with-camera/ (models #1 and #2 on that list are "toy" drones, but look at the others)

[@andrewjeffries1576]

Hello. Beginner here (just got a Holy Stone HS175D). Curious, do you mainly fly the drone by looking at it directly (line of sight), or fly it by looking at the app on your phone, as if you're actually a pilot on the drone? I was wondering how pilots control the drone when it's far away / temporarily out of sight. I assume they just look at the app on their phones. Thanks!

[@user-tb8oq4tu1k]

is there a universal hand controller made if where can one obtain it

[@DimmyV]

The pun at the end 😂✈️ wkd video

[@uavcoach]

Can't take life too seriously! Glad you enjoyed :)

[@evans8564]

Helpful video! Thank you! I Am in the process of finding clients. Today, I just found drone base so I’m thinking of signing up for that in the mean time. Any suggestions?

[@uavcoach]

Yes, Drone Base is reputable and a great way to build experience flying real client missions.

[@raja8806]

Which US aircraft companies provide opportunities to foreign students for Drone pilot job or UAS?

[@bobjimenez4464]

Thanks, that was pretty honest. Being a paid drone pilot is probably a better hobby or side job than a full time career. Either way I really enjoy flying my drones much more than sky diving or base jumping ...... : ) Maybe cliff diving would be fun too : ()

[@uavcoach]

Thanks for your comment, Bob! Yes, lots of folks "hobby hack" and are able to pay for new drones and accessories using client work.

[@bobjimenez4464]

@@uavcoach I'd like to upgrade my drone from a few side jobs. Who needs machinist work on their drones?

[@MarkMatthewsNJ]

what camera did you use to film this? damn things is sharp!

[@uavcoach]

Hi Mark, a combination of Sony a7S III, Panasonic GH5 and Canon EOS R :)

[@Ukacip]

Whats the weight class??? i know i can take dji mini how about mavic 3 ???

[@kurtb8474]

Thank you very much for this informative video. I'm 62 and have spent the last 30 years developing my video production skills. I've done work in commercial production for a major corporation and I have directed live TV for an NBC affiliate. For the last 10-12 years I've hired myself out to do freelance work in whatever I can find locally. I just recently acquired a small drone (my very first) in hopes to develop piloting skills. Is there a way to get some professional training?

[@uavcoach]

Hi there! Thank you for commenting. Cool background. Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and happy to share some options when it comes to training.

[@danieljabiri947]

I like the fact that you established how much you make per day. Definitely worth the money for work that you enjoy.

[@uavcoach]

Appreciate the comment! It's definitely nice to love what you do!

[@anonamos6086]

If you want to be a full time drone pilot, you better have another good paying full time job.

[@uavcoach]

Yes, that's how many folks choose to transition into a services-based business. Start by moonlighting, then as clients pick up, it's easier to make the leap to working on the new business full-time.

[@optimus327prime3]

@@uavcoach thats exactly how im doing it taking my time and enjoying the whole process. i love flying drones so its a win win for me lol

[@DayPhotography]

Love the outfit changes every cut scene lol

[@uavcoach]

Ha! Trying to keep you on your toes :)

[@prjctwolf]

How do you get help learning to edit

[@Matanumi]

Good video, excellent presentation. On your first point, I'd note that, the technology has grown so much and become so affordable that many companies especially smaller ones don't even have proper seperate drone divisions- any Dingle can take a mini 2 and accomplish nearly the same results as a professional freelance personnel charging extra. Photogrammery wont be as quality but those are possible too

[@donaldlyons17]

Yeah why not pay someone inhouse a fraction of price as an independent person?

[@stillsixstudios]

Curious what everyone's experience has been with jobs/projects for construction/site monitoring? I'm assuming most of these jobs are just a few hours before or end of the day to capture & review the construction work completed and you're not on site everyday for multiple days for a full day of work. Is that a safe assumption?

[@uavcoach]

Not much personal experience with this type of mission / client relationship, but yes when we speak with our Part 107 test prep students who do this kind of work, it's often relatively straightforward when it comes to service delivery. Getting the clients can be challenging, but actually doing the work is pretty simple. Sometimes it's showing up once a week or once every couple of weeks for several months. Sometimes it's showing up at the beginning, middle and end. Sometimes it's basic photography / videography, but other times you might be using software like Drone Deploy or Pix4D to do more sophisticated modeling for the client. Your assumption that you're not on site everyday for multiple days is accurate!

[@k4g7]

want to take the faa 107 test should i buy a drone before or after i take the test?

[@uavcoach]

I'd buy a drone first and figure out if you enjoy flying it.

[@joshuaandree9007]

I think I could enjoy a job like this. It’s a lot like playing a video game but you don’t get extra lives.

[@aregussclark7196]

I would like to learn how to fly and program drums

[@patricklasiter5665]

How can I get connected with other drone pilots in the Kansas City Missouri area?

[@rogerhummel3023]

Where is a good place to start in order to get certified as a commercial drone pilot? Do I go to school, is there an online class that i can take, or do I just apply for a license with the FAA?

[@uavcoach]

Hi Roger, you have a number of options, but ultimately you'll be taking a 60-question multiple-choice test at an FAA testing center. More information in this video we put together: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnmaiXmZhNZqmrs

[@Space_Debris]

Please consider making the music work at a whisper!

[@carldemonbrun2245]

Considering UAV Degrees are now available in college and universities. Associates, Certificate and Bachelors degree are available. The income should reflect the education as well. Thanks.

[@vagabondroller]

No, the income will be a result of supply, demand, actual ability and skill. Degrees don't mean much if you can't actually perform.

[@surfart5448]

I have registered with many of those drone networks and never have received any missions or clients.

[@vaprolubricantsmalaysia6048]

If i may. That average salary is yearly or monthly. Im a retreched pilot from malindo airways. Now im doing drone course.hope it pays off something worth at least

[@tomgroszek1933]

That's an average weekly salary. Better hurry up and finish that course so you too can make big $$....JK bro. I believe its yearly average.

[@George-dd3fb]

I’m flying a dji mini 2 at a similar skill level to the pros at 15 and it only took watching like 45 drone videos on that drone and 20+ hours of flytine

[@uavcoach]

Yahoo! Blue skies & safe flying to you, George.

[@goldenstandard187]

How Do You Get Royalty Free Musik

[@Apacheg8]

I’ve been looking into getting my drone license and I’ve seen online that you need a HAM license for FPV drones? Is that accurate or is it just the part 107 for FAA? I’ve been confused on this one ☝🏾

[@uavcoach]

No, you don't need a HAM license to fly an FPV drone. But you would need to either go through TRUST if flying recreationally, or to get your Part 107 license if flying for non-recreational purposes.

[@azaryamatiyas6682]

Hi 👋. I am interested to become in Drone service/repair technician. Were can I take a training. Please help me. Thanks 🙏

[@NubianQueenVibe]

☀ The Future ☀

[@djdapper3721]

You guys Rock -keep up the good work, and by the way, I got my training through UAV Coach, in like 2 week was able to pass the test on first try and got my remote PIC Certification. 👍🏾👍🏾 Thank you UAV Coach

[@uavcoach]

That's awesome, keep up the great work! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@thelordlol8381]

Do you recommend working with a company first to get some experience then have my own thing!!

[@uavcoach]

The sooner you can get real client experience, the better. It is sometimes easier to get your own clients than to get hired full-time by a company, though. Whatever gets you on the sticks and flying real client missions sooner rather than later!

[@brettduffy1992]

I would like to do this but I'm sensitive to the Florida Heat would the Drone still work if I'm sitting in my car

[@uavcoach]

Yep, though in extreme heat or humidity, you'll see diminished quality of drone performance.

[@vicorrosiv8479]

How hard is finding work as a newbie, honestly I've bought a Mavic Air 2 just for the heck of it last year on it's release and since then although I have a great day job in the medical field that is stressful nonetheless, I've become really curious about making money as a Drone Pilot, but a question for me since I live in Southern California, is how hard would it be to actually find a gig that pays, since I can imagine my market here is saturated with drone pilots everywhere...

[@uavcoach]

Tough question, Vic! Building any kind of business is so variable depending on your own goals and aspirations. You're right that So Cal is competitive, but there's also a lot of opportunities to fly for hire in a multitude of industries / use cases out there. The good thing about a services-based business is that you can start small and ratchet up along the way. I'd recommend keeping the day job and moonlighting as much as you can in the beginning to build a good foundation of client experience and business acumen to decide whether or not to take things to the next level. Maybe set a short-term goal of making enough money to pay back the drone, software, training, etc. Wishing you the best of luck and blue skies and safe flying!

[@vicorrosiv8479]

@@uavcoach Thank You for the response! Okay maybe an easier question for you as you are already in the field making money, is it possible to make money with a Mavic Air 2 since everyone mostly refers to to it as a "beginner" or "hobbyist" drone?...

[@skylersiwy2239]

Day rate sounds good. That’s what a freelance photographer would charge for a wedding with developed photos included

[@Morcego538]

where to find the best course to be a certified drone pilot?

[@uavcoach]

Check out our course: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/ We have 3,000 + 5 star reviews!

[@briandougherty481]

I need some hands on training

[@uavcoach]

Happy to help, Brian! More info over here >> uavcoach.com/drone-training

[@alexmlo1]

if you are going to be a Freelance Pilot and try to sell all these packages, do you need to be extremely proficient in video editing? and shoot in raw to colorgrade in post?

[@uavcoach]

It depends on what the client needs and what kind of services you're trying to offer. I know a lot of very talented drone pilots that outsource their video editing. I also know a lot of very talented drone pilots who are AMAZING editors. You can find success both ways :)

[@cobysaenz3547]

What drone do you recommend to get into the biz with?

[@uavcoach]

It depends which specific buisness you are looking to get into. For general photos/videos or real estate, I would recommend looking at the DJI Air 2s, Mini 3 Pro, or Mavic 3. You can also check out our guide here: uavcoach.com/professional-drones/

[@xoticnova6461]

Intro Song?

[@karma_97_]

What degree do i need to become a drone pilot or what certified coarse can i take to become a drone pilot?

[@uavcoach]

We have a course to help you study for the Part 107 exam (which allows you to earn money with your drone. Check it out here: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/

[@karma_97_]

@@uavcoach appreciate the reply lastly, you can use the legend map with you on the test is that correct?.

[@sanghaharjot2746]

so is that salary monthly

[@goldenstandard187]

🔥

[@itzyaboybugz]

It all depends on how many gigs you can book. Ive only made a few grand since getting my pt107 2 years ago. Drone Gigs are too sparse. Far and between.

[@edgelineaerialsolutionsllc7615]

My question is how do you go about working for tourism companies that aren’t near you. For instance if a touring company is 3 states away is it likely that they will higher you even with a good portfolio?

[@uavcoach]

Clients don't typically care about where you live unless you plan to charge for travel.

[@edgelineaerialsolutionsllc7615]

@@uavcoach Are larger travel/tourism companies often willing to pay for travel prices and for the actual footage?

[@uavcoach]

​@@edgelineaerialsolutionsllc7615 It really depends on the situation. The scope of the project, how the footage will be used, what the budget and expectations are, etc.

[@biffdanielson2820]

I have an unrelated question: If you've registered your drone as recreational with the FAA, can you switch it to commercial after you've passed the 107 exam? I'd like to learn how to fly the drone 1st without losing the ability to use it commercially later on.

[@uavcoach]

Hey Biff, you can't "switch" it, but you can reregister your drone under Part 107 (and pay another $5). If you haven't yet registered it yet, and you plan to maybe fly it commercially one day, I'd go ahead and register it commercially.

[@biffdanielson2820]

@UAV Coach So, basically, since it weighs over 550 grams, I won't be able to fly it till I pass the 107 exam?

[@uavcoach]

@@biffdanielson2820 No, you can still fly under the recreational rules. Registering the drone "commercially" satisfies the recreational requirement to have it registered...does that make sense?

[@biffdanielson2820]

@UAV Coach please forgive me, I'm new to all this. I just purchased an Air 2S and know I have to register it before I fly because it's over the weight limit. The FAA gives me a "recreational" or "commercial" option for registering. I thought I had to pass the part 107 exam before I could register it commercially, so I am wondering if I can register it recreationally while I'm studying for the test and then switch it to a commercial once I've passed the 107 exam. If not, the drone will have to sit in the box for the next month while I'm studying.

[@uavcoach]

@@biffdanielson2820 Interestingly enough, you can register your drone commercially without having yet passed your Part 107 exam. And when you do that, you're satisfying the recreational requirement to have your drone registered...meaning you can fly it under the recreational rules until you pass your exam. This way, you wouldn't have to register your drone twice. Get that drone out of the box and start flying ASAP!

[@claudeyaz]

Could you camouflage a drone? To look like a bird or leaves in a tree?Or not possible?

[@uavcoach]

I've seen camo decals for certain drone models...something like this >> amzn.to/3NbwMJW

[@bjornsuss5286]

I'm looking to start a business that helps drone pilots increase the amount of clients they are getting, by using facebook ads. Is there a market for this?

[@AllAboutSpainbyBarryHaylor]

What would you charge for real estate fly through with FPV?

[@uavcoach]

Depends! Real estate could be a single-family home, where you're working with an agent to help market the house. It could be a multi-million dollar property. It could be a warehouse. All potentially different types of customers and deliverables!

[@aregussclark7196]

I would pay you to teach me how to deliver payloads program

[@b3owu1f]

Dang.. I thought drone pilots would make way more. If you account for the likely situation where most drone pilots aren't getting 5 days of flying per week 52 weeks a year especially with weather in the winter being a factor.. it sounds like most pilots are going to need to have a main full time job to survive. Do any pilots make enough to survive on year round as their sole job? IT's such a specialized area of work.. I would think a day rate would be 2K or more.

[@uavcoach]

Hi Kevin, your assumptions about not being able to fly every day is accurate. And while many pilots are hobby-hacking to make a few extra bucks here and there on top of their existing job, there are too many examples of folks making a full-time living as drone pilots to ignore. Definitely possible and not rocket science, but takes a lot of work. And yes, on film sets very common to see drone pilots getting paid that kind of day rate.

[@HandMadeWrath]

Why doesn’t anyone mention that most companies hiring commercial uav pilots require a degree as well

[@abdelrahmansayed111]

You did not mention shutterstock !?

[@uavcoach]

Yes, that's another option!

[@indianaaerials8614]

This was a little disappointing for content. It simply referenced a couple of basic estimates. Most "Jobs" I've seen are around or barely $40k, I've seen postings for under $20/hr for a certified remote pilot. Going the freelance route can be difficult and stressful. If your not good at sales and marketing it's tough depending on your market. I've been exhausting myself for 4 years now and am averaging about $35k before expenses. When your freelance all of your expenses (Vehicle & Travel, Drones, Camera's, Batteries, Chargers, Computers, Hard drives, Insurance, etc) Come directly out of this revenue.

[@uavcoach]

Hi there, thanks for your comment and for sharing your experience as a drone pilot. Completely agree that one of the realities of building a drone business is that sales and marketing is a huge part of finding success. Many people think they can just buy the drone and the cash will roll in, but building a business takes a lot of sweat!

[@TheLayinLo]

Lots of great info. I’m sure I’m not the only one who disliked the 9 wardrobe changes. It was a distracting and detracted from your excellent presentation and speaking abilities. -LL

[@5minuteredpillformen298]

Oddly enough, i didn’t even see that

[@realtyrenada8895]

Made no difference

[@goldenstandard187]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sshizz1]

100k