Drone Pilot salary in China

Average Yearly Salary of Drone Pilot in China is approximately 97,455 CNY (12,159 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Drone Pilot do?

A drone pilot is a professional responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for various purposes. They are skilled in flying drones and maneuvering them to capture aerial footage, conduct inspections, assist in search and rescue missions, monitor crops, and gather data for mapping and surveying. Drone pilots must have a thorough understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of drones. They typically work in industries such as photography and videography, agriculture, construction, real estate, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Drone pilots need to possess excellent hand-eye coordination, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and environments. They must also have a keen eye for detail and be able to interpret the data collected by the drone accurately.

Skills: Drone pilot, UAV operator, Aerial photographer, Remote sensing specialist, Surveying technician, Drone inspector
Job industry: Aviation

How much does Drone Pilot make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Drone Pilot a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Drone Pilot is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Drone Pilot?

High salary for Drone Pilot would be somewhere between 107,201 CNY and 141,310 CNY. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Drone Pilot in China?

Living in China the approximate monthly expenses are: 514 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 97,455 CNY
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,121 CNY
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,874 CNY per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 47 CNY per hour
By working as Drone Pilot a person can save up to 499 USD per month or 5,991 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in China, see costs of living in China.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, North Korea.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Drone Pilot

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in China

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Picker (41,522 CNY per year, pre-tax.)
Associate professor postsecondary higher education (157,992 CNY per year, pre-tax.)
Insurance underwriter healthcare (87,923 CNY per year, pre-tax.)
It desktop specialist (77,343 CNY per year, pre-tax.)
Tax accounting manager (162,472 CNY per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results