In recent years, agricultural drones have revolutionized modern farming. From precision spraying to detailed crop analysis, these aerial machines are saving farmers time, money, and resources. Behind every drone in the sky, however, is a skilled pilot—and that role is rapidly emerging as one of the most in-demand positions in agtech.
So the question is: how much can you really earn as an agricultural drone pilot in 2025?
This in-depth blog post breaks down everything you need to know about the earning potential in this field—from average salaries and regional differences to certification paths and tips to maximize your income.
What Does an Agricultural Drone Pilot Actually Do?
Before we talk numbers, let’s clarify what the job involves.
Agricultural drone pilots use UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to assist in farming operations. Common tasks include:
- Aerial spraying of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides
- Crop monitoring and health analysis using multispectral or thermal imaging
- Field mapping and surveying for land management and irrigation planning
- Plant counting, yield estimation, and other precision agriculture tasks
Some pilots work for large agricultural service companies, while others operate independently or manage their own drone fleets.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
To legally fly a drone for agricultural purposes in most countries, you need proper licensing.
In the United States:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate – Required for any commercial drone work.
- FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate – Required for aerial application (spraying).
- FAA 44807 Exemption – Necessary if you plan to fly drones over 55 lbs, such as DJI Agras T40 or T50.
- State-Level Pesticide Applicator License – If you're applying chemicals, most states require this.
How Much Do Agricultural Drone Pilots Make?
Let’s get into the money.
1. Entry-Level Salaries
If you’re just starting out with only a Part 107 license and minimal experience:
- Hourly Rate: $20–$40
- Daily Rate: $150–$300
- Annual Salary (Full-Time): $35,000–$50,000
Your main tasks will likely involve surveying, mapping, and basic image capture rather than spraying.
2. Mid-Level Pilots (1–3 years experience)
With Part 137 certification and some spraying experience:
- Hourly Rate: $40–$75
- Daily Rate: $300–$800
- Annual Salary: $55,000–$80,000
These pilots are typically flying high-capacity drones for spraying and managing multiple job sites.
3. High-End and Specialized Pilots
Top-tier drone pilots operating large fleets or offering specialized imaging and data analysis services can earn big:
- Hourly Rate: $100+
- Daily Rate: $1,000–$2,000+
- Annual Salary: $90,000–$150,000+
Freelancers who own their own equipment can charge per acre, typically between $10–$30 depending on location and crop.
Industry-wide averages from multiple sources also help set expectations:
- ZipRecruiter: $130,916/year average for commercial drone pilots
- Glassdoor: $130,986/year including bonuses
- Indeed: $57,526/year (likely skewed toward entry-level positions)
Salary by Region
Earnings vary significantly by geography due to differences in demand, regulation, and cost of living.
United States
- California: ~$78,000 average salary
- Texas: ~$68,000 average salary
- Midwest: Moderate to high demand, especially during spraying season
Brazil
- Exploding market for drone spraying
- High demand, but rates can vary from R$400 to R$2,000/day
Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, India)
- High-volume work with growing demand
- Rates lower than Western countries, but work is steady
Europe
- Strong regulatory environment
- Salaries range between €35,000–€70,000/year for experienced pilots
Freelancer vs. Full-Time Employment
Freelancers
- Set their own rates
- Own their own drones (higher upfront cost)
- Greater earning potential but less stability
- Typical income: $40,000–$75,000/year, with potential for six figures
Employees
- Receive benefits and steady income
- Use company equipment
- Average pay: $50,000–$75,000 annually
Real-World Examples
- U.S. Pilot in Iowa: Works with 2 DJI Agras T40 drones, sprays 400 acres/day during peak season, charges $20/acre. Income: ~$8,000/day during season.
- Brazilian Startup Owner: Runs a 3-person crew with 1 drone, makes R$50,000/month in peak months. Off-season income drops to R$10,000/month.
- Freelancer in California: Focuses on vineyard mapping and spraying. Charges $150/hour for data capture + $25/acre for spraying.
How to Increase Your Earnings
- Earn Advanced Certifications – Mapping, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, and GIS boost your value
- Invest in Equipment – Drones like the DJI Agras T50 enable high-volume, high-paying work
- Specialize – Solar inspections, powerline mapping, and precision agriculture are high-demand niches
- Run a Business – Improve pricing strategies, customer acquisition, and marketing skills
- Bundle Services – Offer complete ag packages: spraying + monitoring + reporting
Job Outlook and Industry Growth
The agricultural drone market is projected to exceed $10 billion globally by 2030. Drivers include:
- Rising labor costs
- Demand for sustainable farming
- Climate change adaptation
- Government subsidies in some regions
Final Thoughts
Agricultural drone pilots are seeing strong demand and rising pay, especially for those with the right certifications and experience. From spraying and mapping to crop analysis, this role combines practical fieldwork with cutting-edge technology.
With the market growing quickly and the barriers to entry fairly low, it's a solid opportunity for anyone looking to break into agricultural technology.