Choosing a career that is the right fit for you can prove challenging at times. If you’re someone who is fascinated with technology, loves aviation, or enjoys getting down and dirty repairing things, then a job as a drone technician may be a great option to consider.
A drone technician, also called a UAV technician, maintains, repairs, and tests drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles) to ensure safety and functionality. This popular, rewarding, and lucrative career could see you working for the government, the military, or a private client.
How to Become a Drone Technician
As drones become more popular, the need for trained UAV technicians is increasing. A drone technician doesn’t just fly drones. As a UAV technician, you may conduct routine maintenance on different kinds and sizes of drones, troubleshoot and fix any issues, and inspect and ensure that drones are in optimal operating condition prior to flights.
Becoming a UAV drone technician might sound like a lot of work, but the process of becoming a licensed drone tech parallels the process of becoming an aircraft mechanic. Your first step in the process involves earning a certification in aviation maintenance from a Federal Aviation (FAA) accredited school. After you finish this program, you need to complete a written exam and an oral exam, followed by a practice test. Once you pass these three exams, you will receive an aircraft mechanic certificate approved by the FAA. This final step will enable you to start landing work as a UAV drone technician.
Drone technician programs prepare candidates for the job market since most of the UAV repair work is done on computers and involves experience in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, and other tech skills. Taking a drone technician program can make you a more competitive candidate when your dream job as a UAV technician opens.
Top 5 Drone Technician Training Programs
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, CA Campus Only
Unlock your future career as a UAV technician with a comprehensive 180-hour on-campus program at MiraCosta College in San Diego, California. This course offers cutting-edge skills that prepare you to pass the FA Drone Knowledge Test and obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate.
The information covered includes drone software and hardware, FAA Part 107 exam prep, drone tech training, practical drone flight experience, career preparedness, and industry networking.
Tuition
$3,000 per ProgramContact
(760) 795-6820
commed@miracosta.edu
Atlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, NJ Campus + Online
Hone your skills and open the door to new career opportunities with Atlantic Cape Community College’s drone courses at their Cape May County Campus, Mays Landing Campus, or even online. This UAV prep program not only offers on-campus and online drone technician classes, but it has also received a National Science Foundation Grant.
Tuition
$174 - $274 per CreditContact
(609) 625-1111
aesposit@atlanticcape.edu
Dronegenuity
Los Angeles, CA Campus + Online
If you’re looking for a flexible program that offers both on-campus and online class options, look no further than Dronegenuity. This program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and safety to handle UAVs prior to taking the FAA exam.
This Part 107 Test Prep course breaks down the complex language employed by the FAA and translates it into everyday language that’s easy to understand. Designed to get you certified in no time, these courses provide practical and applicable knowledge that includes drone mapping, thermal imaging, multispectral imaging, repair, advanced maneuvering skills, and more.
Tuition
$199 per ProgramContact
(972)-895-2060
info@dronegenuity.com
MJC Modesto Junior College
Modesto, CA Campus Only
This 12-unit course is a great place to jumpstart your career as a UAV technician. While the certificate of achievement is currently only available in an on-campus format, the MJC Modesto Junior College does offer some online classes to offer students a more flexible schedule.
Taught by a professor of electronics and industrial technology, this course provides students with a solid background in computer electronics necessary to operate, troubleshoot, and repair flying drones. After completing a program designed to train drone personnel, students will be ready to take the required FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification exam.
Tuition
$46 - $368 per UnitContact
(209) 575-6550
vaughant@yosemite.edu
Blinn College
Brenham, TX Campus Only
This final pick on our list for the best drone technician program is a 60-credit hour course that offers both technician expertise and flight training. While earning your Associate of Applied Science in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems on-campus only at Blinn College, you will obtain the concepts needed to become a professional technician.
Tuition
$64 - $279 per CreditContact
(979) 830-4000
jennifar.aktar@blinn.edu
Drone Technician License Requirements
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you will need first to be at least 16 years old, speak, read, write, and understand English, and have the mental and physical capacity to safety fly a drone. If you meet these requirements, you can then apply for an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Then, you will need to take and pass an initial knowledge exam (Unmanned Aircraft General – Small UAG) to become an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot. The Part 107 exam is only required for Part 61 certified manned pilots who fall under private, commercial, recreational, and ATP categories and have a current flight review.
Associated costs include a $175 test fee and a $5 drone registration fee for three years. Additionally, if you choose to pursue a training course, you will need to factor in the cost of a specific certification.
Obtaining an FAA-approved Remote Pilot Certificate ensures that you understand the operating requirements, safety procedures, and regulations for flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Always keep your certificate on hand when working on drones. In addition to this, you will need to do recurrent online training every 24 calendar months to stay current with your aeronautical knowledge.
Salary and Career Outlook
While drone technician salaries can vary depending on employer and location, the national pay range across different states averages $41,600 as a baseline, $56,320 as the median, and $84,520 as the high range, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Thanks to technological advances, drones are becoming more available and popular, and this career is projected to grow exponentially in the next ten years. Job opportunities are typically available in the government or military, via emergency services such as firefighters or paramedics, manufacturers, or private companies that use drones for photography and other business activities.
Investing in a top certified drone technician program can make you stand out from the crowd and give you the leverage you need to become a top earner in your field.
