Currently making $65k/year as a drone tech at a survey firm. Thinking about going independent. I have the Part 107, my own M3E, and a decent Pix4D workflow.
Those of you who made the jump - what did your first year revenue look like? What were the unexpected costs? How long before you matched your salary?
Not looking for motivational speeches, just real numbers and honest experiences.
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Sign inYear 1: $82k revenue, $35k expenses (insurance, equipment, vehicle, software, marketing). So about $47k take-home. Less than my old salary.
Year 2: $140k revenue, $42k expenses. Now I'm ahead.
Year 3: $210k revenue, $55k expenses. Much better than employment.
The first year is rough. You spend way more time on admin, marketing, and bidding than actual flying. Budget for 6 months of savings before making the jump.
Unexpected costs that killed me year one:
Also, nobody tells you about the sales cycle. From first contact to paid invoice is often 60-90 days. Cash flow is the real challenge.