Drones are becoming increasingly popular and their global market is expected to hit $82.77 billion by 2028. This increase shows how useful drones are in different areas. As they spread, the chances of starting profitable businesses go up.
Research by Fortune Business Insight says the drone market will grow by 15.37% CAGR each year for the next 5 years. This growth means there are lots of new ways to begin a business using drones.
From agriculture and real estate to mapping and checking the environment, drones are opening paths to new and good money-making ideas.
In this piece, we’ll look into some new and promising drone business ideas.
Top 5 Drone Business Opportunities for Beginners
Starting a drone business in 2024 could be a real money-maker. Recent studies show that average drone company in the U.S. makes about $120,000 a year.
Some drone photography services even charge more than $1,000 an hour, showing us a big opportunity to make a lot of cash.
In fact, this same topic is getting a lot of attention on this Reddit thread.
If you’re just getting started, a solid drone to check out is the DJI Mini 4 Pro:
- Lightweight and No Registration Required: Weighs under 249 g, eliminating the need for registration in many regions.
- 4K/60fps HDR Imaging: Captures stunning vertical videos in high quality, perfect for day and night scenes.
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing: Enhanced safety with comprehensive obstacle detection, ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.
Let’s examine the top 5 easy drone business ideas for starters who are set to earn big bucks in 2024.
1. Drone Event Photography Business
Taking photos at events, like weddings or sports with drones is a smart idea to earn money. Drones can take photos from up high, catching angles that are hard to get with normal cameras.
These cool shots make your photos pop. You don’t need a lot of money to start a drone photo business, but you can make a lot. Some folks make up to $1,200 a day.
Look at SkyPixel for example. This site lets people share amazing drone shots of events and places. You can do the same by kicking off your own business to take special images at events with drones.
This can help you make a big name for yourself and attract lots of clients who want fun and different pictures.
2. Drone Training Business
Not everyone knows how to fly drones, so this service is useful. With a drone teaching business, you can show people how to operate and care for drones safely and by the law.
You could have starter lessons for newbies, more advanced lessons for those with some experience, and even custom lessons for particular jobs like farming or building.
You can also offer drone fixes and upkeep help to your customers, making more ways to earn money for your business.
3. Drone Rental Business
Many people and businesses choose to rent drones instead of buying and taking care of them. Starting a drone rental service can meet this need.
You can rent out drones for events, taking photos from the air, or other different jobs. This lets folks try out drones before they decide to own one.
Having different rental choices can attract local companies and individuals who need drones for just a bit.
4. Drone Stock Photography Business
If you’re into photography, you can take some cool shots with your drone and sell them as stock photos or help businesses make big-picture libraries.
You can also sell these photos to local businesses who need drone images for their websites, brochures, or social media pages.
Big photo sites like Shutterstock like to have top-notch drone pictures. You can use these sites to sell your photos to people all over the world.
Having a lot of photos to sell can let you sit back and earn money on the side, all while you keep taking even more photos for your collection.
5. Media Coverage Business
Drones with cameras can grab cool shots from above of things like crowds, sports, marches, and sudden news.
Big news groups, like CNN, have used drones for special views during big events and disasters.
By giving drone services to news teams and creators, you can offer valuable aerial photography. This opens a great chance to make money and provide something different.
Also, Altitude University made a short, good video on this idea.
Video Credit: Altitude University
Keep reading, we’ll continue with 5 more drone business ideas that will earn you even more money.
Best Drone Business Ideas for 2024
Continuing our journey with the best drone business ideas that may earn you even more money.
Exploring these drone business opportunities can lead to great success in the growing drone market.
1. Drone Insurance & Licensing Consultancy
By teaching drone users about the laws and how to keep risks low, you could offer a valuable service.
Working together with local insurance companies, you could reach out to the 17% of commercial drones used for work and give them the advice they need.
You could also help drone pilots get the licenses they need to fly without breaking the law. This business could take off fast and make good money.
2. Drone Delivery Service Business
With drones, you can move food boxes faster and more easily. This service is great for customers who want their things delivered quickly.
Big companies like Amazon and Australia Post are already using drones to send products. By starting a drone delivery service in busy places, you can help people in remote areas get things from the big shops and stores.
Drone services, mainly for sending things, are becoming more popular and could make a lot of money. By looking at Amazon Prime Air as an example, you can make a successful drone delivery services that fits what customers need effectively.
3. Drone Repair Service Business
Like any tech gear, drones need care and fixes to run well and last. Starting a drone repair shop can serve this need and make you money.
Many drone users – for fun and work, will come to you for help and to keep their drones in good shape.
Offering quick and reliable repair services will build you a strong rep and attract lots of customers.
This business area is growing, and by filling this need, you can carve out a winning spot for yourself in the drone world.
4. Mapping and Surveying
Mapping and surveying is needed in city design, mining, disaster management, and geospatial projects. With drones, you can gather exact data fast and efficiently, helping clients make smarter choices.
Drone mapping and surveying businesses can also work with local governments, real estate groups, and other companies needing accurate measurements and maps.
This is a profitable niche area that can help you make a name for yourself and your drone business.
5. Drone Security Surveillance
Drones with cameras can bring new levels of security and surveillance to private homes, businesses, and public places. A drone security surveillance business can help folks keep an eye on far places, watch over crowds and events, and protect their properties.
Starting a business like this can earn you good money. For example, a service that does aerial checks with drones can pull in lots of people who need help with safety and looking over things.
After checking out many profitable drone business ideas, let’s look at the best states to start your drone business.
Best States in the United States to Start a Drone Business
New Mexico
New Mexico’s sunny skies and big open spaces are perfect for drone operators. As the 5th largest state, there is a lot of space for drone activities.
There are also top research spots like The Physical Science Lab, Spaceport America, and Sandia Labs. These places attract skilled professionals – perfect for drone pilots to learn from and improve their work.
The state now makes more oil than Oklahoma and California, making it the third biggest in the US. It also has a big farming scene with 23,000 jobs. Drones are very really useful in oil and farming, making these areas great for drone services.
With nice weather, a friendly business setting, and a strong research community, New Mexico is a great spot to start a drone business.
North Dakota
North Dakota is second best for setting up a drone biz. It has an A+ for new startups, showing a strong market and lots of backing for new ideas. It’s also the number two oil maker in the U.S., offering many chances for drone flyers in oil and gas jobs. Ron Ness, who leads the North Dakota Petroleum Council, says drones are a big help here.
Farming is huge in North Dakota as well – with 40 million acres for farm work. The state leads in growing beans, spuds, barley, wheat, and corn. This opens lots of doors for drones in agriculture, from checking crops to fighting bugs.
North Dakota is also a leader in UAS education. The University of North Dakota was one of the first to give drone flying courses. The state puts a lot of money into research and works with centers to help the drone industry grow.
Now that you have your business ideas and the top states to start in, the next step is to get what you need to start a drone business.
Requisites to Start a Drone Business
Before you start a drone firm, you must think about a lot of important stuff. The drone field is tough and changes quickly, so being prepared is key.
Here are things to note:
Industry Analysis
Before you launch your drone enterprise, know your market well. Find out who your buyers are, who you’re competing with, and what’s trending. This prep work helps see if your offer has demand and shapes what you’ll sell.
- Drone Technology Suitable For Your Business
Choose quality drones for the task. Check their load limit, battery life, and camera quality. Stick to area laws, like inspecting the drone before flight and having backup plans for any crisis.
- Accounting for Finances
Make a solid plan for budgeting, sending out bills, and tracking your spending. Doing this will let you manage your cash wisely and keep your business in good shape.
- Adherence to the Law
Register your drone with the FAA. To use drones for work, get a Part 107 license. Follow rules for a legal and easy operation.
- Insurance Coverage
Protect your business with liability insurance. This insurance pays if your drone jobs go wrong or hurt someone. Many times, people want to see your insurance before they choose you.
- Establishing a Network
Offer fair prices and deals tailored to each customer’s needs. Networking can connect you with new customers, partners, and team members, helping your business grow and get noticed.
To do well in the drone business, you need the right tech know-how, a good sense of money, and the skill to follow rules. With smart planning and hard work, you can thrive in this quickly changing area.
Read More: How Lucrative is a Drone Business?
FAQs
How can I identify the right lucrative drone business idea for me?
Think about what you like and what you’re good at when choosing a drone business. If you love photography, you could go into event photography or sell stock photos. If you have technical skills, you might start a drone repair service or offer training.
How to turn my drone business idea into a successful enterprise?
Check out your competitors to know the market better and set your plan. Keep up with drone rules to keep your business going smoothly. Meet people and always learn to make wise choices and build your business.
Can I make money with FPV?
Yes, you can earn cash with FPV drones. You can make and sell FPV footage or work on your own for drone checks and filming events. Also, giving FPV lessons or joining races and contests are good ways to use your skills to make money.
Which Drone Business Idea is Best For You?
Choosing the right drone business idea depends on your interests, skills, and goals.
If you’re good at fixing things, consider opening a drone repair shop. Drones often break or need tweaks to keep flying right so you can make a good living.
If you love taking neat shots and hanging out with people, consider capturing photos or videos at events. You could get awesome views from the sky at weddings, sports events, or for advertisements.
For those who pay attention to the small things, looking into mapping or inspecting buildings or farms might be a smart idea. Places like homes, constructions, and farms need exact and detailed pictures from above.
No matter what drone business you pick, the SolDrones community is here to back you up with resources and connections to help your business grow and find work close to you.
