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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Remote Pilot Operator in Virginia is $90,814 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Remote Pilot Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Remote Pilot Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $100,909 | $8,409 | $1,941 | $49 |
| Average | $90,814 | $7,568 | $1,746 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,656 | $6,805 | $1,570 | $39 |
SAIC - Leesburg, VA
The Lycra Company LLC - Waynesboro, VA
ID Plans - Richmond, VA
First Division Consulting - Tappahannock, VA
A Remote Pilot Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Remote Pilot Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Vendor Ma... Level Remote Pilot Operator | $57,171 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Remote Pilot Operator | $69,303 |
| Remote Pi... Level Remote Pilot Operator | $91,450 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Remote Pilot Operator | $92,549 |
| Vendor Ma... Level Remote Pilot Operator | $112,520 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Remote Pilot Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Remote Pilot Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Remote Pilot Operator positions in Financial Services or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Remote Pilot Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $118,058 | $57.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $108,976 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $108,976 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $104,436 | $50.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $99,895 | $48.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Remote Pilot Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $100,909 | $8,409 | $1,941 | $49 |
| Average | $90,814 | $7,568 | $1,746 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,656 | $6,805 | $1,570 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Remote Pilot Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Redhorse Corporation
Quantico, VA
Redhorse Corporation | Quantico, VA
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Full Visibility LLC
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Full Visibility LLC | Quantico, VA
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Carilion Clinic
Roanoke, VA
Carilion Clinic | Roanoke, VA
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REACH Medical Holdings
TWIN FALLS, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | TWIN FALLS, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
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REACH Medical Holdings
WESTWOOD VILLAGE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | WESTWOOD VILLAGE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
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REACH Medical Holdings
BOISE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings | BOISE, ID
REACH Medical Holdings seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support emergency air medical transport operations. You will safely operate rotorcraft for critical care... more
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