15WArmyAviation

15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator — Civilian Career Guide

Operates military drones/UAS for reconnaissance and targeting. Growing civilian drone industry creates strong career paths.

CAREER PATHS

TOP SALARY

$108,000.00

AVG SALARY

$86,840.00

Civilian Career Matches

Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.

Commercial Drone Pilot

SOC 53-2012

$108,000.00

median/yr

UAS Operator (Government)

SOC 53-2012

$108,000.00

median/yr

Aerial Surveyor

SOC 17-1022

$68,200.00

median/yr

GIS Specialist

SOC 15-1299

$75,000.00

median/yr

Defense Contractor Drone Analyst

SOC 15-1299

$75,000.00

median/yr

Skills That Transfer

UAS flight operationsSensor operationsMission planningAirspace managementImage analysis

Recommended Certifications

These certifications can increase your salary by 10-25% and make you more competitive for civilian roles.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

FAA Part 61 Private Pilot

GIS Professional

Translate Your 15W Experience to a Civilian Resume

Use our free resume builder to convert your Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Army veterans.

More Army Career Guides

11B

Infantryman

7 career paths

12B

Combat Engineer

5 career paths

13F

Fire Support Specialist

4 career paths

15T

UH-60 Helicopter Repairer

5 career paths

19D

Cavalry Scout

4 career paths

25B

Information Technology Specialist

7 career paths

15W Jobs by State

Explore 15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator career opportunities by state.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania North Carolina Virginia Georgia Ohio Illinois Washington Michigan Arizona Tennessee Colorado South Carolina Maryland Alabama Missouri New Jersey +31 more states →

← View All Military Occupations

15WArmyAviation

15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator — Civilian Career Guide

Operates military drones/UAS for reconnaissance and targeting. Growing civilian drone industry creates strong career paths.

CAREER PATHS

TOP SALARY

$108,000.00

AVG SALARY

$86,840.00

Civilian Career Matches

Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries are national medians — your area may vary.

Commercial Drone Pilot

SOC 53-2012

$108,000.00

median/yr

UAS Operator (Government)

SOC 53-2012

$108,000.00

median/yr

Aerial Surveyor

SOC 17-1022

$68,200.00

median/yr

GIS Specialist

SOC 15-1299

$75,000.00

median/yr

Defense Contractor Drone Analyst

SOC 15-1299

$75,000.00

median/yr

Skills That Transfer

UAS flight operationsSensor operationsMission planningAirspace managementImage analysis

Recommended Certifications

These certifications can increase your salary by 10-25% and make you more competitive for civilian roles.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

FAA Part 61 Private Pilot

GIS Professional

Translate Your 15W Experience to a Civilian Resume

Use our free resume builder to convert your Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator skills and experience into language civilian employers understand. Built specifically for Army veterans.