Drone Operator

Help

Drones overall will be more impactful than I think people realize, in positive ways to help society.

Bill Gates
Drone Operator

In A Nutshell

I fly drones over fields to take photos and videos that show what’s happening on the farm from above.

I use special mapping software to create maps that help farmers find the best areas for crops, check soil conditions, and plan irrigation.

I analyze crop health by spotting signs of disease or problems early using drone images.

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Potential Salary Range

$50,000 - 71,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

Most of my work happens from my vehicle as I drive to different sites and set up my drone using the onboard charger. The best days are sunny and calm, so I get to enjoy fresh air while mapping. Evenings are for office work since the drone season is short and busy.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Meet with farmers or agri-businesses to plan drone flights and understand their goals
  • Plan safe drone flights, checking for hazards and making sure airspace rules are followed
  • Fly drones to collect data on crops, soil, or livestock, spending several hours each day completing missions
  • Assess safety risks before flights and review each mission afterward to improve performance
  • Analyze the drone data and explain what it shows about crops, soil, or farm operations in simple terms
  • Organize and prepare the data into clear reports that help farmers make decisions about planting, irrigation, or crop health

Education & Training

  • A college or university diploma in agriculture, technology, or crop science is recommended. Courses in agronomy or plant science can be helpful.
  • Drone operators also need a certification, either basic or advanced, to safely fly drones and collect farm data.
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Job Outlook

    Agricultural drone operation is an ongoing career opportunity. As farms use drones to monitor fields, crops, and livestock, skilled operators play a key role in modern farming. Opportunities continue to expand as technology becomes an integral part of agriculture.

Related School Subjects

Ed. Prof. et Tech.
69 Math
Career Education
Science

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Drone Technology Crops Aerial Mapping Monitoring Precision

Important Skills

Customer Service

I work closely with clients, so being professional, approachable, and easy to communicate with is essential to building strong relationships.

Detail-Oriented icon

Detail-Oriented

I pay close attention to detail during every flight and data collection. Precision matters to me because it ensures the information I gather is accurate and valuable for decision-making.

Independence

I often work alone in the field, so I rely on my own judgment, problem-solving skills, and confidence to complete each task successfully.

Computer & Technological icon

Computer & Technological

I’m comfortable using technology and software to operate drones, troubleshoot equipment, and analyze data that supports agricultural goals.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Independent Work
Work Changes Daily
Opportunity to Travel
Seasonality
Flexible Work Environment