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Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot Salary in Paterson, NJ
How much does an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot make in Paterson, NJ?
$112,486 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$3,397 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$114,414.08
Entry Level
$79,303
Median
$111,017
Senior Level
$127,377
As of July, 23, 2026, the average unmanned aircraft vehicle (uav) pilot gross salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $112,486 or an equivalent hourly rate of $54. In addition, unmanned aircraft vehicle (uav) pilots earn an average bonus of $3,397. An entry level unmanned aircraft vehicle (uav) pilot with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $79,303. At the higher end of the pay range, an senior level unmanned aircraft vehicle (uav) pilot with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $127,377. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in Paterson, New Jersey.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot
Explore the estimated salary growth for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot in Paterson, NJ for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot will be $115,389 in 1 year and $127,768 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$118,366
Average Growth
5.2 %
The estimated salary for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot in 2 years is $118,366, which is 5.2 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots.
- 0% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have less than a High School Diploma
- 0% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have a High School Diploma
- 0% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have an Associate's Degree
- 100% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have a Bachelor's Degree
- 0% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have a Master's Degree
- 0% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have a Doctorate Degree
The typical field of study for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot is Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew Training.
See how education can impact your salaryPopular Skills for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot
Course objective development
100%
Educates students
100%
Establishes goals
100%
Evaluates students
100%
Reads gauges
100%
Starts engine
100%
These are the most popular skills for Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots. About 100% of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots have a skill in Course objective development. The top 3 most popular skills for Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilots are course objective development, educates students, and establishes goals.
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Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot Salaries in Other Locations
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View moreCost of Living in Paterson, NJ
The cost of living in Paterson, NJ is 8% higher than the national average.
8% higher
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot do?
Pilots unmanned observation aircraft vehicles (UAV) remotely to aid military personnel in acquiring information about enemy forces and potential battle areas. Operates the UAV to include mission planning, mission sensor and payload operations, launching, remote piloting, and recovery of the aerial vehicle. Prepares and conducts air reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and acquisition missions; and operates mission sensor and payload for target detection. Compiles and examines intelligence that is required to design operational plans and tactics.
How much does an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot make in Paterson, NJ?
The average salary for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot is $112,486 per year or $54.08 per hour in Paterson, NJ. Top earners have reported making up to $127,377. However, the typical pay range in Paterson, NJ is between $79,303 and $127,377 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot?
Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot is projected to see a 13.6 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Pilot salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
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