Trying to budget for a drone project and not sure what it should cost?
Most pilots charge around $100–$150 per hour, but the total depends on a few factors specific to your job. This article breaks down what goes into the price so you can estimate your project.
The short answer
Your final cost comes down to the hourly rate and the number of hours the job takes. It largely depends on the scope of the project.
What affects the price
Five things drive most of the cost. Here's what to think through before you post your job.
Time on site. How many hours the pilot needs to be at your location. More hours means a higher total.
Pilot experience. Highly experienced pilots often charge a higher rate than brand-new pilots.
The value of expertise. It is often highly beneficial to invest a little extra for a tested, top-rated professional. You can easily verify a pilot's track record by checking the number of completed flights and 5-star reviews on their portfolio.
How much footage you need. Three minutes, ten minutes, an hour. The amount of raw footage affects flight and setup time.
Editing. How much post-production you want, if any. Light color correction costs less than a fully edited video.
Type of service. A wedding, a real estate listing or a roof inspection each comes with its own scope and any special circumstances around it.
Travel. If the pilot isn't local, travel expenses may be added to the quote.
Need help?
We're happy to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll work up a rough cost estimate for you.