Flying a drone is a fun activity, but what makes it more exciting is that you can use it to generate freelance income. Here is how to make money with a drone and a list of the best drones to start with today.
Drones are the most-loved toys for tech-savvy individuals. They're futuristic unmanned aerial vehicles that can fly anywhere you want using a remote control.
If you love your tech toys, you probably own a drone and have fun using it already! However, do you know that this instrument can help you earn six figures every year?
Yes, believe it or not, this mini helicopter with an attached camera can help you take up many paid jobs and even start your own business.
So, if you're wondering how to make money with drones, this detailed guide offers you a list of potential job options to kickstart your career immediately.
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How Much Money Can You Make With Your Drone?
I know I've roped you in by mentioning a six-figure income. While there are people out there actually making this amount using drones, you have a long way to go as a beginner.
Apart from your expertise, many other factors influence your earnings when making money with a drone. These include your gear, technical knowledge, target niche, and the price you set for yourself.
A freelance drone pilot can typically charge anywhere from $75-$200 for aerial photos. However, you can set your own rates depending on your effort and your location's market condition.
Besides that, if you sell or provide services through aerial videos, you can charge around $500 to even $1000 for a comprehensive video session.
This way, if you complete at least one or two similar projects per week, you can easily earn around $2000-$3000.
Additionally, you can even bag around $4000 for a single project by pitching in high-quality editing services and working with high-end companies. This eventually adds up to a six-figure annual income.
But before you get to that, you'll have to learn how to use your drone professionally. Yes, flying a drone for fun is one thing, but you'll initially have to invest time and money to earn through it.
If you're still driven enough to learn how to make money with a drone, go through my step-by-step guide below.
How to Make Money With A Drone – Step-By-Step Guide
You've finally decided to turn freelance drone work into your primary source of income. Great idea!
But, if you're thinking about getting started with a flimsy drone without any post-production training, you're making a mistake.
You see, when you start as a freelancer, you're not just doing freelance drone freelance work but running your drone business. A business requires preparation, training, and investment initiatives, even on a small scale.
This comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to figure out how to make money with a drone.
Step 1 – Get a Drone
It goes without saying! You'll first need a drone. A drone is an essential piece of equipment that you'll need to kickstart your freelance drone endeavor. If you're apprehensive about the investment costs of a professional drone, don't worry.
Attributing to the quick advancements in drone technology, drones with professional cameras aren't costly. At least compared to the start-up costs of other businesses, it's relatively cheaper.
You can get a high-quality drone for under $2000, and if you're looking to start with modest means, you can go for drones under $1000.
Similarly, you can find used drones for resale on the internet at relatively low prices. Later, you can purchase a new drone when you start earning enough.
Step 2 – Get a License Drone-Flying License
I know it sounds funny, but there's actually a legal license for flying drones. You see, when you're flying a drone, you're technically accessing the air space and even intruding into other people's privacy.
If you do that without a proper license, you can get sued. So, to prove you're just doing your job as a professional, get an FAA Part 107 drone license.
For that, you'll have to take a short aviation test. After filling out the form and paying the $150 fee, you'll get all the necessary materials to prepare for the test.
You can also find study guides or join FAA training classes to ace the test. Don't be scared; 92% of the students who register for the test will pass.
However, you're wrong if you expect they'll test you for your drone-flying skills. Instead, the test primarily includes theoretical flying techniques and safety procedures. Once you pass, you'll get a license valid for two years.
Step 3 – Get Your Drone Insured
If you're planning to take freelance drone jobs such as aerial photography or inspection, you should invest in a proper investment plan.
Initially, go for commercial liability insurance. This will protect you if your drone damages someone else's property or invades someone's privacy.
Also, if you don't mind adding up to your initial costs, you should get your drone and additional equipment insured for a higher premium.
Step 4 – Buy and Learn to Operate Editing Software
You shouldn't be worried about how to take photos and videos using a drone. Nowadays, drones have advanced options, so shooting the content is the easiest part.
The main work comes after you've taken the photos and videos. You'll need to purchase and learn various editing software ropes to refine and add a professional touch to your creations.
You can start by learning essential techniques like color correction, sky replacements, and using the magic eraser in Photoshop.
In the case of videos, you can produce high-quality results during post-production by using software like Adobe Premiere or iMovie. Remember, editing videos is much more complex than editing photos.
So if you're selling videos, collect ample footage and cut out the parts you don't want to use.
All these software have a steady learning curve, but achieving these skills can help you stand out among your competitors.
Step 5 – Start your Drone Business
Now that you're ready with your equipment and a proper skillset, it is time to kickstart your business. To do that, you'll have to land your first client.
There are many ways to advertise yourself to people willing to hire a drone photographer. You can start by spreading word of mouth around your neighborhood or handing out flyers highlighting your services.
Furthermore, you can extend your reach by signing up on popular freelancing sites. While many dedicated freelance sites for drone experts exist, you can try out the conventional ones to reach a broader audience.
One of the high-quality sites to land freelance drone jobs is Flexjobs. Flexjobs is an easy-to-use platform that lets freelancers showcase their talents to potential clients. Here, you can sign-up for a small premium and search for relevant gigs according to your skill set.
You can also get training to run a professional freelance business and land high-paying clients through Flexjobs resources. Similarly, the site has more than 150 skill tests that you can take to make your resume credible.
Once you land your first client on the platform or from anywhere across the internet, there's no stopping. You can quickly get additional jobs by posting reviews or getting referrals from happy clients.
Other popular sites to get jobs include:
See Related: FlexJobs Review: Is It Worth It
Step 6 – Work On your Credibility
After you generate a steady workflow as a freelance drone pilot, the next step is to bring consistency and credibility to your work.
Try creating a brand name for yourself in the industry. Make sure your brand identity is relevant to your target audience and market yourself accordingly to rope in regular customers.
If you can't afford professional marketing or graphic design services, you can do this yourself using Canva. The website has many logos and templates to choose from to enhance your brand image on social media and the internet.
Besides that, you can hire professional graphic designers on the platform if you're willing to invest further in your business.
Similarly, try to restrict yourself to a single drone pilot niche. This will help you establish yourself and build credibility in the industry.
As you grow, you'll have to gather some helping hands, create a customer support team, and increase the equipment you own to cater to the job offers you receive.
7 Ways to Make Money With a Drone
Now that you've been through my step-by-step guide on how to make money with a drone, you're probably ready to choose your freelance drone pilot niche.
Believe it or not, there is more to flying drones than just taking aerial photos. You can sell your drone services to several industries, including real estate, agriculture, and search and rescue.
Here are the seven best ways for those wondering how to make money with a drone.
1. Sell Stock Photos and Videos
Selling stock photos and videos is perhaps the easiest way to make money with a drone.
For those wondering how much do drone photographers charge? Or what's that typical drone videographer's salary? You don't need to worry about that in this case.
Just take high-quality aerial photos and post them online on Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and Envato. These sites are free to use and pay you a small premium every time a user downloads your photo.
Although the remuneration per download is relatively meager, it can add up quickly if you concentrate on the quantity you post daily. Besides that, displaying your talent on stock websites can help you land other paid gigs and increase your online presence.
You can pair this skill up with another freelance drone job. Try clicking extra photos for every project and post them on stock sites for some side income.
2. Become an Aerial Wedding or Event Photographer
Nowadays, there's a high demand for aerial drone photographers for weddings and events. Clients often want to hire a drone photographer to capture every aspect from a unique perspective to incorporate the wow factor in their wedding ceremony.
That's where you and your drone step in.
However, don't expect to make quick money as soon as you advertise yourself online. That's because the field is highly saturated, and the competition increases daily.
Nevertheless, you can establish yourself by excelling in skills other drone photographers won't. This includes a high-quality photo and video editing or providing impeccable customer service.
If it is your first job, remember to use the natural scenery and space around you as much as possible. Besides that, avoid taking sun-facing photos as they turn dark.
Most importantly, learn to control your drone in the crowd, so you don't injure anyone.
And drone photos are not only popular at weddings. You can be paid to capture those special moments in other events, including sporting matches or even fun moments like skydiving or zip-lining.
Organizers also use this footage for advertising their brands, while others will just keep them for memories.
Whichever way, you can certainly make some good money with your drone.
3. Take Photos For The Real Estate Industry
Aerial photography is quite essential in the real estate industry. Real estate agents want to offer their properties the best images and videos to attract potential clients. And drones are the best devices to capture such footage.
This is especially important when they have to post these images and videos online. Since some potential clients can't typically visit the property, the agents must provide images that offer a feeling of actually being there.
With a drone, you can capture every part of the property, from the ground to the roofing of a house. Also, with aerial views, you can capture the nearby landmarks and properties surrounding the property of interest. This gives the client a comprehensive perspective to help make their decision.
However, you will also need editing tools and apps to make the best images and footage. For instance, you can try out Premiere Pro or Photoshop apps while adding overlays to the videos and photos.
If you want to know how to make money with a drone in the commercial real estate industry, consider taking photos for advertising campaigns of resorts, residential buildings, parks, and whatnot.
While taking real estate photos with your drone, you should try to capture the aspects that entice potential buyers. For example, if a hotel is located at the beachfront, ensure your images and videos highlight that point.
See also: How to Invest in Real Estate without Being a Landlord: 5 Ingenious Ways.
4. Sell Aerial Photos and Footage to Interested People
When the topic of how to make money with a drone comes up, the first thing that runs into many people's minds is selling aerial images and videos.
Well, it's not without a good reason!
Drones are the best devices to capture aerial photos and videos; anyone can turn this into a profitable business.
So, instead of just taking the images for fun or as a hobby, you can also make some good bucks.
Generally, you have two main options to make money through this avenue.
First, you can identify unique and charming sites or landmarks to capture and then sell these images to interested people. Secondly, you can capture incredible aerial photos and videos on request and get paid.
However, whichever option you choose, exceptional-quality photos and videos are needed. This means that you must be willing to acquire the right equipment.
A drone such as the “DJI “Phantom 4 Pro V 2.0” would be a great option here. This device will allow you to capture top-quality photos or videos that people will undoubtedly love. And you can advertise your work on social media platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, or Instagram and let your followers rate your work.
See Related: How to Make Money Selling Photos of Yourself
5. Open a YouTube Channel
If photography is your passion, why not share it with the rest of the world and make some money while at it? The internet offers some of the best places to showcase your photography prowess and earn money.
YouTube has the answers if you are still trying to figure out how to make money with a drone. All you need to do is compile some of your best work and publish it on a YouTube channel.
If YouTube users love what they see and subscribe to your channel, you can quickly start earning from YouTube's partnership program.
However, you must reach a certain threshold regarding watch hours, views, and subscribers, to start making money. The good thing about YouTube is that money-making options are limitless. Here, your creativity and effort determine how much money you can earn.
See also: YouTube Automation Tools: Best Tools
6. Aerial Surveying and Mapping
Drones have also made aerial surveying and mapping relatively easy and efficient. This is one area that can earn drone pilots some pretty good money.
However, this is more time-consuming and requires top-quality drones. For example, the pilot must fly the drone over a specified area and collect images compiled and sewn together using mapping software.
Aerial surveying and mapping are pretty popular with companies in various industries such as construction, mining, energy, etc. And, if you are good with your gadgets, you can reap good profit from such projects- either as an independent contractor or a company's pilot.
But this one requires training. Luckily, you can get online lessons and courses on aerial surveying and mapping to get started.
See related: How to Get Free Money on Cash App: 5 Easy Ways
7. Military Drone Pilot Jobs
Military and security agencies have numerous uses for drones. And they require drone pilots for these jobs. If you are a good drone pilot, you can apply for some of these jobs through the relevant websites and start making money.
The good thing is that you'll be doing what you love and doing it for a more significant cause.
Remember, governments can use these drones to protect a nation against attacks, provide crucial information to the government for necessary actions, or even save lives in situations where humans can't.
See Related: How Many Jobs are Available in Public Utilities Sector?
Other Freelance Drone Jobs To Take Up
Apart from taking, selling, and editing photographs, there are other jobs drone pilots can take up to earn money. Some of these options include:
- A professional inspection of rooftops, solar panels, and electrical lines.
- Private investigation
- Dedicating drones to deliver goods where ground vehicles cannot reach
- Using drones to help sustain crops and provide targeted irrigation in agriculture
- Helping rescue operation workers deliver supplies and medicines for disaster relief
- Teaching others how to operate a drone
- Blogging about drone photography and earning through monetization
If you're planning to work as a freelancer with your drone, you'll probably come across Upwork to get clients or outsource services. To widen your source, consider other Upwork alternatives like Fiverr and Freelancer.
See Related: Dirty Ways to Make Money
How much Money do Drone Pilots Make?
By now, we know how to make money with a drone. But how much money can one make with that drone?
There are three ways you can make money as a drone pilot. And these will also determine how much money you make. These options include:
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Industry Professionals
Various industries, like mining, construction, public safety organizations, etc., have a higher demand for aerial images and videos. For this reason, some companies are employing full-time drone pilots for their aerial surveys and rescue missions.
According to job listing websites like Glassdoor, the median salary range for drone pilots in such industries is between $73,000 and $115,000 annually. This means that you can live a decent life as a drone pilot, depending on the industry and your level of expertise.
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Self-employed Drone Pilot
Here, the amount of income a drone pilot earns dramatically varies. This is because some projects and clients will pay more than others.
In addition, if you are well-known and your reputation precedes you, clients are more willing to pay more for your services.
Since you've begun the drone service business, you determine how much money you charge for different projects.
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Freelance Drone Pilots
Freelancing has covered almost every sector, and drone piloting is not left behind. This means you can get drone pilot jobs from freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, etc.
You can earn between $300 and $800 per project as a freelancer drone pilot. This will depend on the type of project and the site you've joined.
Also, besides the freelance platforms, there are several other sites, like Dronebase, specifically designed to connect qualified drone pilots and clients. It's a directory offering clients a list of certified pilots.
So, if you still don't know how to make money with a drone, getting listed on such a site is an excellent starting point.
What is the Best Drone on the Market?
When choosing the best drone for you, several factors come into play. For instance, what is the purpose of the drone? Also, who is using the drone, and what is your budget range? Remember, you must find the best drone for the money you have.
While drones like the DJI Mavic Phantom 4 top the list of the best drones in the market, various situations require different drones. To better understand this, let's look at the following scenarios:
What is the Best Drone for Kids?
If you are looking for some quality drones for your kids, these will work perfectly:
What is the Best Drone for Beginners?
Beginner drone pilots need a drone that isn't complicated to operate or even too expensive. Here are two brands you can try out.
What is the Best Racing Drone?
FPV (first-person flying view) racing has become a popular sport. Some organizations have even commercialized this sport. They hold various events, such as the “World Drone Racing Championships,” where drone pilots compete to win prizes and world recognition.
So, what is the best FPV drone? Well, any of these two models will serve you well.
What is the Best Drone with a Camera?
How Much Weight Can a Drone Carry?
Drones are helpful for many purposes. Also, these devices come in different carrying capacities and sizes.
Generally, most drones are powered by batteries and can fly for a specified period – mostly 15 to 30 minutes per charge. However, some drones can fly for up to 2.5 hours or more, depending on the battery size.
When it comes to carrying capacity, smaller drones have loads of up to 5 pounds, while larger ones can lift even over 20 pounds. Industries can customize various drones to take more weight depending on their needs.
So, depending on what you are looking for, ensure you confirm the drone's specifications before purchasing.
Can You Make Money With a Drone?
Yes, there are many opportunities for those wondering how to make money with drones. You must follow the steps I mapped out in my comprehensive guide, choose a niche, and start making money.
Remember, freelance drone jobs aren't your 9-5 day job. If you're going to work as a drone service provider and run your own business, it requires dedication and hard work.
You can easily hope to make a six-figure annual income if you're ready and everything is in place.