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 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.