Pricing your drone services can be one of the hardest parts of running your business. Charge too little, and you burn out for pennies. Charge too much without proof of value, and clients may walk away.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up your income, this guide will show you how to price your drone services confidently, competitively, and profitably.
1. Understand the Market—and Your Value
Before setting prices, ask:
- What are pilots in my area charging?
- What services am I offering (real estate? inspections? mapping?)
- What equipment am I using—and what is the output quality?
- What’s my experience level and reputation?
Your price should reflect the problem you’re solving.
A pilot with a 4K drone and editing skills will naturally charge more than a hobbyist with minimal gear.
2. Know the Common Pricing Models
There are three standard ways to price drone services:
A. Flat Rate Per Project
Great for:
- Real estate shoots
- Event coverage
- Small marketing gigs
Example:
- 10 high-res photos + 1-minute video = $250–$500
- Aerial video only (unedited) = $150–$300
B. Hourly Rate
Good for:
- On-site inspections
- Construction progress
- Jobs with uncertain timeframes
Typical rates: $75–$200/hour
Higher for specialized gear like LiDAR or thermal drones.
C. Day Rate
Ideal for:
- Larger commercial contracts
- Mapping or multi-location shoots
- Long-form film or production work
Day rates range from $500–$2,000+ depending on scope.
3. Don’t Forget to Include Your Costs
Many new pilots make the mistake of charging “what feels fair”—without factoring in real operating costs.
Include:
- Drone depreciation
- Batteries, SD cards, and gear maintenance
- Editing time or software
- Travel expenses
- Insurance premiums
- FAA waiver/time management (for controlled airspace jobs)
If you’re flying a $3,000 drone with $500 of software and $30 of insurance per job, your pricing should reflect that.
4. Create Tiered Packages for Simpler Sales
Instead of one flat fee, give clients options:
Example Real Estate Packages:
- Basic ($199): 10 edited aerial photos
- Standard ($349): 10 photos + 1-min aerial video
- Premium ($499): Full photo + video + neighborhood flyover + branding overlay
This lets clients self-select based on budget—while encouraging upsells.
5. Show the Value—Not Just the Price
Most clients don’t know how much drone work should cost—so they compare based on perceived value.
Help them understand:
- What gear you use
- What problems you’re solving
- How your content improves their marketing, inspections, or operations
Include this in your AND profile and when quoting clients.
“I help agents sell homes faster with cinematic 4K aerial tours” sounds better than “I fly drones.”
6. Raise Prices with Experience and Reviews
As you:
- Build your portfolio
- Earn 5-star reviews on AND
- Invest in better equipment
- Gain industry-specific skills (e.g., thermal inspections, mapping)
…you should gradually increase your prices to reflect your increased value. Underselling yourself hurts not just you—but the entire industry.
Final Takeaway
There’s no one-size-fits-all drone pricing model—but with the right strategy, you can set rates that are fair, competitive, and profitable.
Start by knowing your market, packaging your services clearly, and focusing on the value you bring to each client.
On Aero National Drones, your profile, reviews, and portfolio help justify your rates—so the more you put in, the more you get out.
Ready to get hired?