How much does a Aerial photographer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Aerial photographer
Image that illustrates Aerial photographer

Aerial photographer

37 300 kr

Photographers

36 100 - 39 600 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Aerial photographer

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 10 Vacant jobs ->

What does a drone photographer do? – Tasks and work environment

A drone photographer works with photographing and filming from the air, usually using airplanes, helicopters, or drones. Tasks can include documenting landscapes, construction projects, and urban development, as well as creating visual stories for advertising, media, or research. Drone photographers often collaborate with clients in construction, land surveying, environmental monitoring, and film production. The work environment can vary and sometimes be challenging, as photography is performed from the air under different weather conditions and times of day. Precise planning, safety awareness, and technical skill are required to achieve professional and safe results.

Salary development over time

The average salary for a drone photographer has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, rising to 37 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 37 300 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 5% over the three-year period. The salary increase can partly be explained by the increased demand for advanced aerial imaging, especially in construction, environmental, and media sectors, as well as increased technical specialization within the profession. Market development for drone photography and new technology has also contributed to a positive salary trend, although competition remains high within the field.

Drone Photographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (men), 37,100 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (men), 39,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 224 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, full data on women is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data is limited, but variations occur depending on project volume and proximity to larger cities

Education and qualifications

To work as a drone photographer, a combination of photographic education and specialized knowledge in aviation technology or drone operation is usually required. Many in the field have a background as photographers with additional education at college, YH (higher vocational education), or through certification courses. Practical experience and technical understanding of camera equipment and flying are crucial factors for success in the profession.

  • Formal education: Photography studies at college, YH, or folk high school (1–3 years)
  • Certification: Drone license or training for aerial photography (required for commercial activities)
  • Internship: Practical experience in aerial photography and image editing
  • Prerequisites: Technical understanding of cameras, image management, and flight safety
  • Tips: Many supplement with online courses in image editing and drone photography

Many drone photographers combine their work with other visual assignments, such as landscape photography, commissioned films, and consulting in image processing. This contributes to a varied daily routine and allows building a broad portfolio over time.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Drone photographers are often offered additional compensation beyond base salary, such as per diems for travel, compensation for inconvenient working hours, and access to specialized equipment. Benefits may also include insurance, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development through courses and seminars.

Competition and challenges

The profession of drone photographer is competitive, especially as technological advances make it easier for more people to work with drone and aerial images. The market is affected by rapid changes in demand, new regulations, and customer quality and delivery requirements. Continuous skill development is necessary to stay updated on new technology and safety regulations. Building a strong network and creating a niche is often crucial for long-term success. At the same time, the profession offers unique opportunities for those who are creative, technically inclined, and capable of seeing new perspectives in images.

Tips for aspiring drone photographers

To succeed as a drone photographer, it is good to combine technical curiosity with creativity and precision. A strong interest in visual storytelling makes it easier to find unique subjects and create visually appealing material. Being flexible and adaptable is important, as weather and project conditions often vary. Accuracy and safety awareness are critical when working at heights or with advanced equipment. A communicative personality facilitates collaboration with pilots, clients, and other professionals. It is also recommended to build a broad portfolio and stay continuously updated on both technology and image editing.

Key facts about Drone Photographer

  • Education level: Photography education at college or YH, often 1–3 years
  • Work environment: Varied, often outdoors and in the air
  • Work form: Project-based or freelance, sometimes employed
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession of photographers
  • Special skills: Drone license and advanced image editing

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a drone photographer can advance to roles such as senior photographer, image editor, or consultant in visual documentation and project management. Some choose to specialize in sectors like construction, environmental monitoring, real estate photography, or film production. Forecasts from the Employment Service are uncertain for specific future prospects, but there are 620 job openings within the profession of photographers. Technological development and increased use of drones suggest ongoing demand for specialized aerial photography, although competition is expected to remain high.

Frequently asked questions about Drone Photographer

  • What is the average salary of a drone photographer?
    - A drone photographer has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a drone photographer?
    - Usually, a photography education at college, YH, or folk high school, along with certification for drone flying, is required.
  • Is there high competition for jobs?
    - Yes, competition is high, but demand for specialized aerial photography is increasing within certain industries.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Variations occur depending on project volume and proximity to larger cities.
  • Is a drone license required?
    - Yes, a drone license is required for commercial aerial photography according to current regulations.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Accuracy, technical skills, creativity, and safety awareness are central qualities.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The Employment Service does not provide an exact forecast, but technological development indicates continued demand for drone photographers.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 18:34:10

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Aerial photographer is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Aerial photographer is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34200 kr
35-44 41200 kr 41700 kr
45-54 42400 kr 43800 kr
55-64 45500 kr 47900 kr
Snitt 36500 kr 37300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Aerial photographer has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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