Drone Jobs in North Carolina 2025
- Gretchen Vollmer
- May 28
- 7 min read
The drone industry in North Carolina is fueled by progressive regulations, a startups, and a growing demand for skilled professionals across a wide range of industries. As the Tar Heel State cements its reputation as a national leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), opportunities for drone pilots, technicians, data analysts, and innovators are expanding rapidly. Let's explore the current landscape of drone jobs in North Carolina, highlighting emerging sectors, salary prospects, required skills, and drone building cleaning.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re considering a career change, seeking a side gig, or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, North Carolina’s dynamic drone market offers something for everyone.
North Carolina Drone Technology
North Carolina has emerged as a powerhouse in the drone industry, thanks to forward-thinking policies and a supportive environment for innovation. The state recently made headlines by repealing its state-specific drone operator permit requirement, streamlining the regulatory process for commercial and government operators. This change, enacted through House Bill 198, aligns North Carolina with federal standards and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for businesses and individuals to operate drones for a variety of applications.
The state’s commitment to innovation is further reflected in its partnerships with leading drone companies such as Zipline and Wing, which are delivering medical supplies and food to remote communities.
North Carolina’s legacy in aviation continues to inspire a new generation of pioneers in unmanned flight. The state’s universities, including UNC-Chapel Hill and Elizabeth City State University are also at the forefront of drone research, training, and workforce development, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the industry.
Key Industries Hiring Drone Professionals
North Carolina’s drone industry is characterized by its diversity, with demand for skilled operators in sectors ranging from public safety and agriculture to construction, real estate, and energy. Public safety agencies across the state are increasingly relying on drones for search and rescue, disaster response, traffic management, and crime scene investigation. For example, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has used drones to track suspects and manage crowds, while the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) leverages UAVs for infrastructure inspections and disaster recovery.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, and drones are playing a transformative role in modernizing farming practices. Farmers use UAVs for precision agriculture, monitoring crop health, soil moisture, and pest activity, which helps optimize resources and increase yields.
Construction and Infrastructure
Drones are transforming the construction and infrastructure sectors in North Carolina by delivering detailed aerial data that enhances project accuracy and safety. With UAVs, construction teams can create topographic maps, monitor earthwork progress, and generate 3D models of job sites, all without disrupting ongoing operations. This technology not only streamlines project management but also enables real-time collaboration between field crews and project managers, who can access up-to-date imagery and data from anywhere.
The use of drones for inspecting bridges, roads, and power lines is also reducing the need for risky manual inspections, helping companies comply with regulatory standards while minimizing downtime and costs. As more firms adopt drone solutions, North Carolina is seeing greater efficiency and innovation in infrastructure development, positioning the state as a leader in modern construction practices.
Photography & Videography
The demand for aerial content has led to a surge in specialized services, with drone operators collaborating closely with real estate agents, tourism boards, and event organizers to deliver perspectives that were once impossible or cost-prohibitive.
In North Carolina, businesses are increasingly leveraging drone photography and videography to showcase properties, document construction progress, and create promotional materials that stand out. This trend is not limited to commercial projects - individuals are also hiring licensed drone pilots for weddings, sporting events, and community festivals, fueling the freelance market.
As regulations evolve and technology advances, North Carolina’s creative professionals are finding new ways to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, making drone-enabled imagery an essential tool for marketing and communication across the state.
Energy
Utility companies are deploying UAVs equipped with thermal and multispectral sensors to detect faults in power lines and solar arrays before they escalate into costly outages. This proactive approach enables faster repairs and minimizes service disruptions for customers.
In the renewable energy space, drones are used to inspect solar farms and wind installations, providing detailed imagery and data that help optimize energy production and ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, when environmental incidents such as fuel spills or storm damage occur, drones assist in rapid assessment and logistics planning for cleanup operations, reducing response times and improving safety for ground crews. As these technologies evolve, the demand for skilled drone professionals in North Carolina’s energy sector continues to grow, supporting both traditional utilities and the state’s expanding portfolio of renewable
Drone Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
The job market for drone professionals in North Carolina is robust, with dozens of positions available across the state. Job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter regularly list openings for drone pilots, inspectors, surveyors, and technicians. Entry-level roles, such as part-time drone operators for public safety teams or freelance photographers, offer flexible schedules and competitive pay, while more specialized positions, such as infrastructure inspectors or LiDAR mapping specialists, command higher salaries and require advanced certifications.
The average annual salary for a drone pilot in North Carolina is approximately $70,000, with top earners making over $85,000 per year. Freelance drone pilots and videographers can also earn competitive rates, particularly in real estate and media, where project-based work is common. The most sought-after skills for drone jobs include pilot proficiency, photography and videography, data analysis, and familiarity with industry-specific software. Employers also value experience with regulatory compliance, as all commercial drone operations must adhere to FAA Part 107 rules.
Required Skills and Certifications for Drone Jobs
To succeed in North Carolina’s drone job market, professionals must possess a combination of technical and soft skills. The most common educational background among drone pilots is a high school diploma or GED, although vocational training, associate degrees, and even bachelor’s degrees are increasingly common. Experience levels vary, with most professionals having between two and four years of hands-on experience.
Technical skills include pilot proficiency, with mastery of drone flight operations such as takeoff, landing, navigation, and emergency procedures. Photography and videography skills are essential for those working in real estate, media, and marketing, as high-quality aerial images and videos are in high demand. Data analysis skills are also important, as many drone jobs involve processing and interpreting data collected during flights, such as crop health maps or infrastructure inspection reports.
Familiarity with industry-standard software for flight planning, data processing, and image editing, such as Adobe Premiere, Pix4D, and DroneDeploy, is highly valued. Regulatory knowledge is a must, as all commercial drone operations must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations, airspace restrictions, and safety protocols. Soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and customer service are equally important, especially for professionals working directly with clients or as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Certification is a must for commercial drone pilots. The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the industry standard, requiring applicants to pass a written exam on aviation knowledge, regulations, and safety procedures. Additional certifications, such as those for advanced flight operations or specialized equipment, can further enhance career prospects.
Drone Building Cleaning: A High-Growth Niche
One of the most exciting and rapidly growing niches in North Carolina’s drone industry is drone building cleaning. This innovative application uses heavy-lifting drones equipped with advanced spraying systems to clean windows, facades, roofs, and other exterior surfaces of commercial and residential buildings. The benefits are clear: increased safety, reduced labor costs, and faster project completion times compared to traditional methods.
Companies like Lucid Bots and VSI Aerial are leading the way in this field, offering specialized drone cleaning services for high-rise buildings, hospitals, hotels, and office complexes. Lucid Bots, based in Charlotte, has gained national recognition for its flagship Sherpa cleaning drone, which is capable of handling large-scale industrial cleaning projects with ease. The Sherpa drone can complete jobs that once required a crew of eight workers and $150,000 in expenses in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive option for cleaning businesses and property managers.
Drone building cleaning is revolutionizing the maintenance industry by eliminating the need for ladders, scaffolding, and manual high-access equipment. This not only reduces the risk of workplace accidents but also allows for more efficient and cost-effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas. For example, traditional cleaning costs can be 25% to 50% higher per square foot compared to drone cleaning services, thanks to reduced labor and lower insurance costs. Drones can also cover extensive areas of a building’s facade much quicker than traditional methods, minimizing disruption to occupants and maximizing efficiency.
The job market for drone building cleaning is expanding rapidly, with positions available for licensed drone pilots, technicians, and sales representatives. Companies are seeking candidates with FAA Part 107 certification, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safety and compliance. On-the-job training is often provided, making this an accessible entry point for those new to the drone industry.
Compliance with FAA regulations, airspace restrictions, and local permit requirements is essential for all commercial drone cleaning operations. Drone pilots must hold a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, and companies must carry appropriate insurance and permits to protect both workers and clients. Safety is a top priority, with strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of operators, bystanders, and property.
The future of drone building cleaning in North Carolina is bright, with increasing demand from property managers, building owners, and facility managers seeking safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions for exterior maintenance. As the technology continues to evolve, new opportunities will emerge for skilled professionals in this high-growth niche.
Conclusion
Driven by progressive regulations, innovative startups, and a diverse range of applications across public safety, agriculture, construction, real estate, and energy. The state’s streamlined policies, partnerships with industry leaders like Zipline and Wing, and advancements in niches like drone building cleaning have positioned North Carolina as a national hub for drone technology, creating a wealth of opportunities for pilots, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
With competitive salaries, accessible certifications like the FAA Part 107, and a supportive ecosystem for workforce development, the Tar Heel State offers a promising landscape for those looking to build a career in this high-tech field.
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