Operate a drone safely. Launch, land, and navigate the skies! Navigate to ensure drones are operated safely and avoid collisions. You may need to use a drone as a surveyor, inspector, police officer, photographer, or filmmaker, etc. Many live locally and travel for work. This is often a skill that is helpful for people of many professions to have, and there are some people who specialize in it.
Make a Difference
A Typical Day
- Build, repair and tune multi-rotor aircraft.
- Manage collected data.
- Apply rules and regulations to operate as a commercial operator.
Recommended Credentials
Remote Pilot's Certificate or Associate's Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Northwestern Michigan College has a Drone Pilot Training Class in Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Join a robotics team.
Visit the Aviation Department at NMC.
Job shadow someone who uses a drone in their work.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Get your Drone Operator license in high school
Pathway 2
Northwestern Michigan College
- Unmanned Aerial Systems Certificate
Nationally recognized training center! Class credit if already licensed UAS operator
Pathway 3
Northwestern Michigan College, Engineering Technology: AAS
NMC University Center
- Aviation Management Articulations with Davenport and Ferris
Michigan State University Drones in Agriculture and hands-on drone training
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- Drone Operator
Hear It From The Pros
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median Michigan
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Federal Aviation Administration, Become a Drone Pilot
Learn more about Remote Sensing Technicians at O*NET Online.
Real World Career Pathways
It doesn't have to be a straight shot! Hear from people who have taken unique pathways.