Service members who fly or otherwise work with drones in the military could find that their military skills transfer well to a civilian job in remotely piloted aviation as more industries adopt the technology.
From drone pilot officers to intelligence analysts, service members involved with the U.S. military’s uncrewed aerial fleets reflect roles in the growing civilian sector.
Drone Pilot: The Job
Average pay: $58,350/year. Experienced pilots who specialize can make $100,000 or more.
Projected job growth (2019–2029): 3% (American Society of Civil Engineers)
Certified by the FAA to safely operate a drone, remote pilots must “demonstrate an understanding of the regulations, operating requirements, and safety procedures of flying drones,” according to the STEM Careers Coalition of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). They control the vehicles during missions and may also perform tests, gather information, communicate or “pick up, deposit, or in some way manipulate materials.”
While projected to grow only modestly, the experience is worthwhile, according to the society:
“Drone pilots usually obtain skills that make them versatile and valuable in avionics mechanics, advanced electronics, or commercial piloting,” it said. “Furthermore, both the U.S. military and the CIA use drone technology as part of their strategies.”
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Becoming a Drone Pilot
The FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) requires drone pilots to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate showing you “understand the regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones,” according to the FAA.
Remote pilots becoming certified for the first time must be at least 16 years old, be in appropriate condition, and be able to “read, speak, write and understand English.”
They must pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) initial aeronautical knowledge test on regulations, flight operations and restrictions, weather, loading, emergency procedures maintenance, night flying and other topics.
Read More: Shortages Lead to Higher Pay in the Civilian Aviation Industry
More Than Just Pilots
In addition to the 427,000-plus FAA-certified remote pilots in the U.S., many other roles make up the drone industry, according to commercial drone operator DroneBundle, which published an in-depth look at the industry.
The jobs include engineers, manufacturers, software developers, data analysts, remote sensing specialists, salespeople, trainers and managers. “Software development and autonomy engineering show the strongest growth as companies invest in automated systems,” the company said.
At the same time, more industries continue to adopt drones, creating “diverse employment opportunities” in infrastructure, energy, public safety, agriculture and others. And the Labor Department’s Occupational Outlook Handbook mentions drones in conjunction with aerospace and civil engineering, mechanics and technicians, science, photography and architecture.
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