How to Become a Professional Drone Pilot in Canada in 2026
- Anthony Oliveira
- Jan 20
- 5 min read
So you want to fly drones for a living? Smart move. The drone industry in Canada is absolutely booming right now, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years to jump in.
Whether you're looking to escape the 9-to-5 grind, add a new skill to your toolkit, or just turn your weekend hobby into a legit career, this guide has everything you need to know about getting your drone license in Canada and landing those sweet drone jobs in 2026.
Let's break it down step by step.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Become a Drone Pilot
Here's the deal: drones aren't just toys anymore. They're serious business tools used in construction, real estate, agriculture, security, film production, and emergency response.
And with Transport Canada's updated regulations from late 2025, there's now a clearer path than ever to go from hobbyist to professional.
The demand for certified pilots is outpacing supply. Companies need skilled operators who understand the rules, can fly safely, and know how to get the job done. That's where you come in.
Step 1: Understand the Certification Paths
Before you start studying, you need to know which certificate you're aiming for. In Canada, there are two main paths for professional drone pilots:
Advanced Operations Certificate (The Standard Pro Path)
This is your entry point into the professional world. With an Advanced Operations certificate, you can:
Fly in controlled airspace (near airports, cities)
Operate closer than 30 meters to bystanders
Take on most commercial gigs like real estate photography, inspections, and events
Requirements:
Pass the online Advanced Operations exam through Transport Canada
Complete a flight review with an authorized flight reviewer
Register your drone and mark it with the registration number
Apply through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal
This is the certificate most people start with, and it opens a lot of doors.
Level 1 Complex Operations Certificate (The Advanced Commercial Path)
Want to do the really cool stuff? Beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, specialized industrial work, or high-stakes commercial projects? You'll need this one.
Requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Pass the Advanced Operations exam first
Complete at least 20 hours of ground school at an accredited flight school
Pass the Level 1 Complex Operations exam
Pass a specialized flight review
Obtain an RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC)
Use a drone with Pre-Validated Declaration (PVD) approval
It's more work, but the payoff is access to higher-paying, specialized drone jobs in 2026.
Step 2: Get Your Drone License in Canada
Alright, let's walk through the actual process of getting your drone license in Canada. It's more straightforward than you might think.
1. Study for the Exam
Transport Canada's Advanced Operations exam covers airspace rules, weather, regulations, and flight safety. You can self-study or take a course (we highly recommend a course: it saves time and headaches).
2. Pass the Online Exam
The exam is multiple choice and done online through Transport Canada's portal. You'll need a score of at least 80% to pass. Don't stress: if you've studied, you'll be fine.
3. Complete Your Flight Review
This is where you prove you can actually fly. A Transport Canada-authorized flight reviewer will assess your practical skills. At SecuDrone, we're recognized flight reviewers, so we can help you knock this out quickly and confidently.
4. Register Your Drone
Every drone used for advanced operations must be registered with Transport Canada. You'll get a registration number that needs to be displayed on your aircraft.
5. Apply for Your Certificate
Once you've passed the exam and flight review, submit your application through the Drone Management Portal. Boom: you're officially a certified drone pilot.
Step 3: Know What You Can Earn (Drone Pilot Salary Canada)
Let's talk money. What's the drone pilot salary in Canada looking like in 2026?
Here's the honest breakdown:
Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
Entry-Level (0-1 years) | $40,000 – $55,000 |
Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $55,000 – $75,000 |
Experienced/Specialized | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
Freelance/Contract | $500 – $2,000+ per day |
The numbers vary based on your niche, location, and skills. Pilots who specialize in industrial inspections, thermal imaging, or BVLOS operations tend to earn on the higher end.
Freelancers can do especially well. A single real estate shoot might pay $300-$500, while a full-day industrial inspection could net you $1,500 or more.
Pro tip: The more certifications and specializations you stack, the more you can charge.
Step 4: Find Drone Jobs in 2026
So where are the jobs? Here are the hottest sectors hiring drone pilots right now:
🏗️ Construction & Infrastructure
Site mapping, progress monitoring, and safety inspections. Construction companies love drones because they save time and money.
🏠 Real Estate & Photography
Aerial photos and videos for property listings. This is a great entry point for new pilots.
🔒 Security & Surveillance
Perimeter patrols, event monitoring, and emergency response. This is a growing niche with serious demand (and it's kind of our specialty at SecuDrone).
🌾 Agriculture
Crop monitoring, spraying, and land surveying. Farmers are increasingly turning to drones for precision agriculture.
🎬 Film & Media
Commercials, documentaries, and social media content. If you've got an eye for cinematography, this could be your lane.
⚡ Energy & Utilities
Inspecting power lines, wind turbines, and pipelines. These jobs often require Level 1 Complex Operations certification but pay very well.
Where to find gigs:
Job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, specialized drone job sites)
Networking at industry events
Direct outreach to companies in your target sector
Building your portfolio and marketing yourself online
Step 5: Fast-Track Your Career with Drone Pro Club
Here's the thing: getting certified is just the beginning. The pilots who really succeed are the ones who keep learning, stay connected, and have access to ongoing support.
That's exactly why we created the Drone Pro Club at SecuDrone.
What is Drone Pro Club?
It's our membership program designed to help aspiring and active drone pilots level up faster. When you join, you get:
✅ Priority access to training and flight reviews – Skip the wait and get certified faster
✅ Ongoing mentorship – Learn from experienced pilots who actually work in the field
✅ Job leads and networking – We connect members with real opportunities
✅ Discounts on gear and services – Save money while building your kit
✅ Regulatory updates – Stay on top of Transport Canada's evolving rules (like that 24-month recency training requirement)
If you're serious about making this a career, Drone Pro Club is the smartest investment you can make. It's like having a cheat code for the industry.
Quick Tips for New Drone Pilots
Before you take off, here are a few things I wish someone had told me:
Ready to Take Off?
Becoming a professional drone pilot in Canada in 2026 is totally achievable. The path is clear, the demand is real, and the opportunities are only growing.
Get your drone license in Canada, build your skills, and position yourself for the best drone jobs in 2026. And if you want to fast-track the whole process? Join the Drone Pro Club at SecuDrone and let us help you get there.
Your career in the sky is waiting.
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