The drone industry in the UK is experiencing unprecedented growth, presenting a wealth of exciting job opportunities for skilled and passionate individuals. As technology advances and drone applications expand across various sectors, now is the perfect time to explore a career in this dynamic field. This guide will explore the top drone jobs in the UK, highlighting the skills, qualifications, and potential earnings associated with each role.
Why the UK Drone Industry is Taking Off
The UK drone market is projected to reach £1.2 billion by 2025, making it the fastest-growing drone market in Europe. Several factors contribute to this impressive growth:
- Increased Investment: Governments and private sectors are investing heavily in drone technology, driving innovation and development.
- Expanding Applications: Drones are becoming increasingly vital in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, inspection, and surveillance.
- Technological Advancements: Modern drones boast high-resolution cameras, advanced GPS systems, thermal imaging, and LiDAR sensors, expanding their commercial applications.
- Remote Work Opportunities: Advances in remote communication, cloud-based data processing, and drone autonomy enable professionals to work on sophisticated UAV projects from almost anywhere in the UK.
PwC values UK drone adoption at £45 billion in economic impact by 2030, generating 650,000 new jobs in inspection, delivery, and emergency response.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
To succeed in the drone industry, several skills and qualifications are essential:
- CAA Certification: To fly drones commercially in the UK, you’ll typically need a flyer ID, operator ID, and insurance. Completing training with a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is crucial.
- A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC): This certificate allows you to fly certain drones in the Open Category, such as those between 250g and 2kg or drones with a C2 class marking.
- General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC): This qualification allows you to fly drones weighing up to 25kg in congested areas under an Operational Authorisation.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating drone equipment, remote-control systems, and relevant software for data processing and analysis is vital.
- Knowledge of UK Air Regulations: A thorough understanding of UK air regulations, flight safety, and flight planning is essential for safe and legal drone operations.
- Attention to Detail: Being thorough and paying attention to detail is crucial for conducting accurate surveys, inspections, and data collection.
- Adaptability: The ability to be flexible and open to change is important, as the drone industry is constantly evolving.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication skills are necessary for collaborating with teams, clients, and stakeholders.
Top Drone Job Opportunities in the UK
Here are some of the most promising and high-paying drone jobs in the UK:
1. Drone Pilot/UAS Operator
- Job Description: Drone pilots remotely operate aircraft for various purposes, including surveying, filmmaking, and aerial photography.
- Responsibilities: Conducting pre-flight checks, operating drones safely and efficiently, capturing high-quality imagery and video footage, and adhering to safety protocols.
- Industries: Filmmaking, TV and marketing, weather forecasting, mapping land use, infrastructure inspection, and surveying air accident sites.
- Salary: Entry-level roles typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year. Experienced operators can earn £30,000 to £45,000 or more, while senior pilots in specialized sectors can command upwards of £50,000 annually.
- Example roles:
- Offshore Drone Pilot: Conducting aerial inspections and surveys of offshore wind turbines, rotor blades, and support structures. (Salary up to £500 a day)
- Telecom Drone Pilot: Telecom Drone Pilot (role at UK Air Comms)
- Fixed-term drone pilot: Mitie are looking to recruit a fixed-term drone pilot (12 months).
2. Drone Surveyor
- Job Description: Drone surveyors use drones to collect aerial data for creating maps, models, and surveys of land and infrastructure.
- Responsibilities: Planning and executing drone flights, processing aerial data using specialized software, and generating accurate survey reports.
- Industries: Construction, infrastructure, agriculture, archaeology, and environmental monitoring.
- Salary: Drone surveyors can earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on experience and specialization.
- Example roles:
- Terrain Detective (Drone Surveyor): Collecting high-quality data and developing innovative approaches to data analysis for conservation efforts.
- Apprentice Estates Surveyor & Drone Pilot: Combined role of apprentice surveyor and drone pilot Dales Surveying Ltd
3. Drone Cinematographer
- Job Description: Drone cinematographers capture stunning aerial footage for films, television shows, commercials, and other media productions.
- Responsibilities: Collaborating with directors and producers to plan shots, operating drones to capture cinematic footage, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Industries: Film and media production, advertising, and event coverage.
- Salary: High-end drone cinematographers can earn £45,000 to £90,000 per year, with potential earnings exceeding this range for those working on blockbuster films or large-scale commercial projects.
4. Drone Data Analyst
- Job Description: Drone data analysts process and analyze aerial data collected by drones to extract valuable insights and information.
- Responsibilities: Processing imagery and sensor data, creating 3D models, identifying patterns and anomalies, and generating reports for clients.
- Industries: Environmental science, precision agriculture, construction, and infrastructure.
- Salary: Drone data analysts can earn between £40,000 and £65,000 annually, with those working in specialized fields such as environmental science or precision agriculture earning on the higher end of the scale.
5. UAV Project Manager
- Job Description: UAV project managers oversee drone-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
- Responsibilities: Planning and coordinating drone operations, managing teams of pilots and data analysts, and communicating with clients and stakeholders.
- Industries: Construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
- Example roles:
- National Drone Manager: Network Rail are recruiting a National Drone Manager.
6. Drone Technician
- Job Description: Drone technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting drone equipment.
- Responsibilities: Performing routine maintenance, diagnosing and repairing drone malfunctions, and ensuring drones are safe and operational.
- Industries: Drone manufacturing, maintenance and repair services, and companies that operate large drone fleets.
- Salary: Drone technicians can expect to earn between £30,000 and £55,000 annually, with opportunities for higher earnings in specialized sectors such as military applications or advanced aerospace engineering.
7. Drone Instructor
- Job Description: Drone instructors train individuals to become certified drone pilots, providing theoretical knowledge and practical flight training.
- Responsibilities: Delivering classroom instruction, conducting flight simulations, and assessing student performance.
- Industries: Drone training academies, flight schools, and educational institutions.
- Salary: Drone instructors in the UK can earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, with the potential for additional income through freelance training or consultancy work.
- Example roles:
- Head of UAS Training: Coptrz are looking to recruit a Head of UAS Training.
- UAV Training Manager: Consortiq is recruiting a UAV Training Manager.
8. Drone Delivery Specialist
- Job Description: Drone delivery specialists manage and operate drone delivery services, ensuring efficient and safe transportation of goods.
- Responsibilities: Planning delivery routes, managing drone fleets, and complying with aviation regulations.
- Industries: E-commerce, logistics, and food delivery services.
- Example roles:
- Certification and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Drone Delivery: Amazon are looking for a Certification and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Drone Delivery, Amazon Prime Air
9. Search and Rescue Drone Operator
- Job Description: Search and rescue drone operators use drones to assist in search and rescue operations, locating missing persons and providing critical support to emergency responders.
- Responsibilities: Operating drones to search for missing persons, capturing aerial imagery and video footage, and coordinating with search and rescue teams.
- Salary: Search and rescue drone operators in the UK can earn between £35,000 and £60,000 annually, with opportunities for additional compensation through overtime or hazardous duty pay.
10. Other Drone-Related Roles
- UAV Engineer: Marble is looking to recruit a UAV Engineer – Generalist.
- Software Engineer: Malloy Aeronautics is looking to recruit a Software Engineering Manager.
- UAV Software System Engineer: ISS Aerospace is looking for a UAV Software System Engineer.
- Battery Technician: Prismatic are looking to recruit a Battery Technician, a Battery Team Leader, UAS System Operator and an Air Operations Safety & Regulations Lead.
- Robotics / Embedded Systems Engineer: Air6 Systems are recruiting for a Robotics / Embedded Systems Engineer.
- Control Engineer: Luffy AI are looking to recruit a Control Engineer.
- Marketing Manager: Sensat are looking to recruit a Marketing Manager.
- UI/UX Designer: Cyberhawk are looking for a UI/UX Designer.
- Innovation Lead – Future Flight: Innovate UK are looking to recruit an Innovation Lead – Future Flight.
Finding Drone Job Opportunities
Several online platforms and resources can help you find drone job opportunities in the UK:
- UAV Jobs UK: A specialized job board offering a wide range of drone-related job listings across various sectors in the UK.
- ARPAS UK: A professional association for the drone industry in the UK, with a job board listing drone-related vacancies.
- Reed.co.uk: A popular job board with a section dedicated to drone jobs in the UK.
- LinkedIn: A professional networking platform where you can find drone job postings and connect with industry professionals.
- Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine with a variety of drone job listings in the UK.
- Company Websites: Many companies involved in the drone industry, such as Airpelago, Cyberhawk, and Skyports, post job openings on their websites.
- Drones4Jobs: UK local drone pilots directory
Tips for Landing Your Dream Drone Job
- Get Qualified: Obtain the necessary certifications and qualifications, such as the A2 CofC and GVC, to demonstrate your expertise and competence.
- Gain Experience: Build your flight hours and gain experience in various drone applications to enhance your resume.
- Network: Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with drone professionals to expand your network and learn about job opportunities.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications for each specific job application.
- Showcase Your Work: Create a portfolio of your best drone photography, videography, or survey projects to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the drone industry to remain competitive and knowledgeable.
- Consider remote jobs: Advances in remote communication, cloud-based data processing, and drone autonomy now enable professionals to work on sophisticated UAV projects from almost anywhere in the UK, including rural and coastal regions
The Future is Up in the Air
The drone industry in the UK is poised for continued growth and innovation, creating a wealth of exciting job opportunities for skilled and passionate individuals. By acquiring the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience, you can position yourself for a rewarding and high-flying career in this dynamic field. Whether you’re interested in piloting drones, analyzing data, or managing drone projects, the possibilities are endless in the UK’s thriving drone sector. So, take to the skies and explore the exciting world of drone job opportunities – your dream career might be just a flight away.
