How to make money with your drone
If you are interested in making money with your drone you’ve come to the right place… and entered the right industry. According to this DJI article, the drone industry is expected to grow to nearly $3.5 billion by 2033. That's a lot of moolah, my friends. And the best part? You don't need to be a tech genius or a rocket scientist to get in on the action.
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are many opportunities to earn money with them. Drone pilots can make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 (depending on experience and specialization) per year in Canada according to ZipRecruiter and can be applied in a wide variety of industries. From wedding photography to volumetric analysis, drone technology and the data they are able to capture are extremely valuable and cheaper than alternative methods, making drone pilots a great asset.
To make good money with your drone, it’s important to do research and build up your skill set outside of operating a drone. Whether that is photography and videography editing techniques or learning how to analyze specialized data like LiDAR, there is more to drone jobs than just flying!
Let’s talk about some of the top jobs you can do with your drone, and how much you can expect to earn:
Aerial Photography and Videography
Aerial photography and videography are great ways to make money with your drone. If you have an eye for capturing stunning visuals and a drone, you're already halfway there. Drone pilots can capture unique and dynamic shots for clients in various fields such as real estate, construction, tourism, and events like weddings. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an aerial photographer is around $45,000 per year, but this can vary depending on location and experience.
2. Mapping and Surveying
Drone mapping and surveying is another profitable job that requires specialized training. With high-resolution cameras and mapping software, drones can quickly and accurately create 2D and 3D maps of large areas. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a drone mapping specialist is around $65,000 per year, but this can vary depending on location and experience. That's a lot of dough for flying a drone over some land if you ask us.
3. Agriculture
Drones are revolutionizing the agricultural industry by providing farmers with valuable insights into their crops. By equipping drones with specialized sensors and cameras, farmers can gather data on crop health, soil moisture, and other factors that affect crop yields. More recently, drones are also replacing traditional crop spraying methods. DJI has released the Agras T10 and T40 which can be used to spread and spray materials on crops. According to Indeed, the average salary for a drone pilot specializing in agriculture is around $60,000 per year.
4. Search and Rescue
Search and rescue operations require specialized training, but can be incredibly rewarding. Using drones equipped with thermal cameras and other specialized sensors, rescue teams can quickly locate missing persons, detect heat signatures, and assess the terrain to plan their operations. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a search and rescue drone pilot is around $57,000 per year.
Most commercial drone jobs will require a Transport Canada RPAS License, and may even require specialized training or equipment. Having a license and proof of training will only make your services more credible and allow you to charge a higher rate than someone who is not licensed. Another important thing to keep in mind is having the right drone to do the job. Some jobs will need specific sensors or payloads, that can only be attached to bigger drones. Other jobs, like photography, will require less specialized equipment.
At FlySmart, we offer comprehensive drone pilot training that covers everything you need to know to get started in the drone industry. Our courses cover topics such as drone regulations, flight planning, and photography and videography techniques. We are also happy to chat about more specific training around LiDAR, SFOCs, mapping, and agriculture!
Whether you're looking to start a new career or supplement your existing income, the drone industry offers many opportunities to make money. With the right training, skills, and marketing, you can turn your passion for drones into a lucrative business! Sign up for a training course to get started today. :)
Happy (and safe) flying!
-FlySmart Team
