1. Aerial Photography and Videography
Drone photography remains the most accessible and popular way to make money with a drone by capturing stunning views and selling photos and videos to real estate agents, event planners, and marketers. Real estate listings with aerial images sell 68% faster than those without, according to The Close. Wedding videographers and digital marketers are also increasingly hiring drone pilots for cinematic shots in order to enhance event photos and promotions.
How to start:
- Invest in a quality drone.
- Learn basic video editing and photo correction.
- Get certified under FAA Part 107 if you're in the U.S.
Earnings: $200–$500 per project
📎 ZipRecruiter
2. Drone Mapping and Land Surveying
Drones are replacing traditional surveying tools by creating precise 2D and 3D maps using photogrammetry or LiDAR. According to DroneDeploy, drone mapping can cut survey time by 90% and reduce costs by 50%.
Industries to target:
- Construction companies
- Surveying and engineering firms
- Government planning departments
Earnings: $25/hour
📎 ZipRecruiter
3. Infrastructure and Asset Inspections
From wind turbines to rooftops, drones are saving companies time and reducing risk. PwC reports drone inspections can reduce costs by 30% while improving worker safety.
In-demand sectors:
- Energy and utilities (e.g., power lines, towers)
- Roofing and insurance
- Telecom companies
Earnings: $300–$2,000 per inspection
📎 UAV Coach
4. Agricultural Drone Services
Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing markets for drones. With multispectral cameras and crop analysis tools, farmers can monitor plant health, improve irrigation, and even spray fertilizers.With the agricultural drone market projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets, agricultural drone services can be a lucrative way to make money.
Services to offer:
- NDVI crop analysis
- Aerial spraying
- Field mapping and drainage
Earnings: $150–$2,000 per day
📎 AG Drone Jobs
5. Drone Delivery Services
Drone delivery may still be developing, but it's already transforming logistics. Companies like Flytrex, Amazon Prime Air, and Zipline are using drones to deliver food, medicine, and small packages.Although it doesn't seem very common today, according to McKinsey, drones could account for 30% of same-day deliveries by 2040.
Opportunities:
- Partner with local restaurants or clinics
- Operate in rural or hard-to-reach regions
- Create a custom drone delivery route for niche items
Earnings: $80,000-180,000 per year
📎 NextTools
Final Thoughts:
Whether you're a photographer, surveyor, or tech enthusiast, there's a drone income stream for you. With proper licensing, niche selection, and marketing, your drone can be much more than a gadget — it can be your next profitable business.
