Are you a drone pilot ready to turn your skills into a steady stream of income? Whether you’re into aerial photography, mapping, real estate, inspections, or cinematic footage, there’s a growing demand for drone services across industries. But where do you find clients?
The answer lies in the world of freelancing platforms. These websites help you showcase your skills, bid on gigs, and get discovered by clients worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of the top freelancing platforms where drone pilots can list their services and start landing jobs.
1. Upwork
Best for: Freelance drone pilots looking for long-term or recurring gigs
Why It’s Great:
Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms globally. Clients often post jobs for real estate drone footage, construction site monitoring, 3D mapping, and aerial surveys.
Pro Tips:
Use keywords like “FAA-certified drone pilot,” “aerial photography,” or “drone mapping” in your profile
Create a polished profile with drone footage samples
Apply for jobs with a tailored pitch
2. Thumbtack
Best for: Local drone pilots looking to connect with nearby clients
Why It’s Great:
Thumbtack helps service providers (including drone operators) get hired for local gigs. You can list services like aerial photography for events, property tours, or roof inspections.
Pro Tips:
- Focus on building strong reviews early on
- Price competitively to gain traction
- Use location-based keywords in your profile
3. DroneBase (Now Zeitview)
Best for: Commercial pilots looking for specialized drone work
Why It’s Great:
DroneBase connects drone pilots with missions in real estate, insurance, energy, and more. It’s ideal if you want to work on projects that require precision and certification.
Pro Tips:
- You’ll need a Part 107 license (in the U.S.)
- Higher-paying gigs often require specific equipment (e.g., thermal imaging drones)
- Be ready to travel to mission locations
4. Bark
Best for: Event and real estate drone pilots
Why It’s Great:
Bark connects clients with professionals in many industries, including drone videography. Clients usually reach out for wedding shoots, promotional videos, and real estate listings.
Pro Tips:
- Respond quickly to client inquiries
- Offer package deals (photos + video)
- Use a professional portfolio to stand out
5. PeoplePerHour
Best for: International drone freelancers
Why It’s Great:
PeoplePerHour allows you to sell services globally. While it’s not drone-specific, there’s growing demand for aerial services from marketing agencies and real estate firms.
Pro Tips:
- Sell pre-defined “Hourlies” (like a 1-minute drone reel)
- List specific deliverables and turnaround time
- Make your gig title stand out
6. AirMap / Aloft (for Drone Job Feeds)
Best for: Advanced commercial drone pilots staying updated on available gigs
Why It’s Great:
While not a freelancing platform in the traditional sense, apps like Aloft (formerly AirMap) occasionally integrate job feeds or direct you to local operations where drone pilots are needed.
Pro Tips:
Use the flight logging tools for your portfolio
Keep the app installed and monitor any updates for job alerts
Stay compliant with airspace authorizations
Honorable Mentions:
- LinkedIn Services: Set up a Services page to attract corporate clients
- Facebook Marketplace & Groups: Great for local real estate gigs and events
- Fiverr: Good for packaged drone services like editing footage or creating Instagram reels
Final Tips for Listing Your Drone Services:
Always showcase your best footage in your portfolio
Mention certifications and gear (e.g., DJI Mavic 3, thermal drone, etc.)
Consider offering editing services as an add-on
Maintain strong client communication and reviews for higher visibility
Ready to Get Started?
Freelancing as a drone pilot is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to make money with your gear. By tapping into these platforms, you can scale your drone side hustle into a full-time gig or diversify your income streams with minimal upfront cost.
Have you tried any of these platforms, or do you have a favorite we missed? Drop a comment or let us know on our social channels!
