Remote Pilot Operator Salaries in California
How Much Does a Remote Pilot Operator Make in California?
Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Remote Pilot Operator in California is $103,288.
While Salary.com is seeing that Remote Pilot Operator salary in CA can go up to $127,227
or down to $74,107, but most earn between $88,014 and $115,819.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Remote Pilot Operator
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Similar Job Salaries to Remote Pilot Operator by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at ZAN
|
$180,552/yr
|
RANGE: $163,840 - $197,263
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at HCF
|
$171,122/yr
|
RANGE: $155,284 - $186,961
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at ZSE
|
$177,984/yr
|
RANGE: $161,511 - $194,458
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at ORD
|
$170,053/yr
|
RANGE: $154,313 - $185,792
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at DFW
|
$160,344/yr
|
RANGE: $145,503 - $175,185
|
|
Penbay Technology Group LLC
Remote Pilot Operator
|
$113,254/yr
|
RANGE: $102,435 - $124,074
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at ZAU
|
$169,065/yr
|
RANGE: $153,418 - $184,713
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at ZOB
|
$158,419/yr
|
RANGE: $143,756 - $173,081
|
|
SAIC
Remote Pilot Operator at L30
|
$84,861/yr
|
RANGE: $76,863 - $92,859
|
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Remote Pilot Operator Jobs in California
It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States.
There are some cities where a Remote Pilot Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living.
Below is the top cities list for Remote Pilot Operator job salaries in California.
Some cities can pay higher salaries for Remote Pilot Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Remote Pilot Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Remote Pilot Operator salary is higher than other cities in California.
San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont.
The Remote Pilot Operator salary is $118,112 in San Jose,
which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Remote Pilot Operator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Remote Pilot Operator in California is $103,288,
but we found that the city with the highest salary for Remote Pilot Operator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara.
Remote Pilot Operator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
| CITY | ANNUAL SALARY | MONTHLY PAY | WEEKLY PAY | HOURLY WAGE |
| San Jose | $118,112 | $9,843 | $2,271 | $57 |
| Santa Clara | $118,112 | $9,843 | $2,271 | $57 |
| Fremont | $117,887 | $9,824 | $2,267 | $57 |
| San Francisco | $116,950 | $9,746 | $2,249 | $56 |
| Daly City | $116,950 | $9,746 | $2,249 | $56 |
| Berkeley | $114,356 | $9,530 | $2,199 | $55 |
| Oakland | $114,356 | $9,530 | $2,199 | $55 |
| Hayward | $114,169 | $9,514 | $2,196 | $55 |
| Antioch | $107,895 | $8,991 | $2,075 | $52 |
| Vallejo | $105,348 | $8,779 | $2,026 | $51 |
What Does a Remote Pilot Operator Do?
Issuing, suspending or revoking certificates of UAS operators and licenses of remote pilots operating within the ‘certified’ category of UAS operations.
Updated December 13, 2021
The FAA shall document the trainee’s performance on the CTC Remote Pilot Operator Instruction/Evaluation Report (provided subsequent to award), indicating “Initial Certification” in the Operating Position Box.
Updated November 13, 2021
Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operators (MOS 15W) work as remote pilots of unmanned observation aircraft, otherwise known as drones.
Updated December 22, 2021
"Evidence for Microplastics Contamination of the Remote Tributary of the Yenisei River, Siberia—The Pilot Study Results".
Updated December 20, 2021
1. The minimum age for remote pilots operating a UAS in the ‘open’ and ‘specific’ category shall be 16 years.
Updated December 16, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Remote Pilot Operator Salaries
What is the average of a Remote Pilot Operator in California?
The Remote Pilot Operator salary range is from $88,014 to $115,819, and the average Remote Pilot Operator salary is $103,288/year in California.
The Remote Pilot Operator's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Remote Pilot Operator salary in the United States?
The Remote Pilot Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $118,112
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Remote Pilot Operator's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Remote Pilot Operator.
What is the growth rate of the Remote Pilot Operator's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming a Remote Pilot Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Remote Pilot Operator.
