Drone Technologies in South Carolina
South Carolina's Drone Technologies pathway develops operators and technicians for the rapidly growing unmanned aircraft systems industry. The state's agriculture, infrastructure, and utility sectors create emerging opportunities.
Students study drone systems, flight operations, regulations, maintenance, and applications. They operate drones in realistic scenarios and complete FAA Part 107 requirements.
Graduates work as licensed drone pilots, drone technicians, or drone systems specialists. Employment opportunities exist with mapping companies, agricultural services, utilities, inspection companies, and media organizations throughout South Carolina.
Drone Technologies at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina drone technologies standards cover drone systems, flight operations, FAA regulations, safety, and applications. Standards align with Part 107 commercial drone requirements.
Students complete flight operations competencies, maintenance training, and FAA Part 107 exam preparation. State standards emphasize safety and regulatory compliance.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Drone Technologies 1 |
| Drone Technologies 2 |
| Drone Technologies 3 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ASE Student Certification
- ✓ASE Entry-Level Certification
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Technology
- ✓NOCTI Automotive Collision and Body Repair
- ✓EPA 609 Certification
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Drone Pilot
Entry LevelSalary range: $80,520 - $160,160
Adjusted for cost of living: $86,413
Drone Operator/Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,280 - $62,880
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,448
Inspection Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $61,960 - $103,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $84,986
Operations Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work with mapping companies, agricultural service providers, utilities, and inspection firms throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Agricultural Education
South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development. The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites. With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.
AgricultureEngineering Technology
South Carolina's Engineering Technology pathway prepares students for careers in engineering design, manufacturing engineering, and technical problem-solving across diverse industries. This rigorous STEM program, often delivered through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering curriculum, develops engineering thinking, design skills, and technical abilities essential for engineering careers. With South Carolina's strong manufacturing and engineering sectors, engineering professionals are in high demand throughout the state. The pathway progresses through engineering foundations, principles of engineering, and specialized engineering courses in areas such as digital electronics, civil engineering and architecture, aerospace engineering, or engineering design and development. Students engage in hands-on design challenges, use industry-standard engineering software including CAD and simulation tools, and apply mathematics and science concepts to solve authentic engineering problems. The curriculum emphasizes the engineering design process, technical documentation, and teamwork skills essential for professional engineering practice. South Carolina's Engineering Technology pathway prepares students for engineering technician careers immediately after high school, provides exceptional preparation for engineering degree programs, or supports entrepreneurial pursuits in product design and manufacturing. Graduates develop analytical thinking, creativity, and technical skills valuable across STEM careers and beyond.
Advanced ManufacturingInformation Technology
South Carolina's Information Technology pathway prepares students for careers in IT support, network administration, systems management, and technology services. This comprehensive program provides foundational training in computer systems, networking, hardware, software applications, and IT service delivery. As organizations throughout South Carolina depend on reliable technology infrastructure, IT professionals are essential across all economic sectors. The pathway covers core IT competencies including computer hardware and operating systems, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, database management, and customer service for technology support. Students develop both technical troubleshooting skills and professional communication abilities essential for effective IT support roles. The curriculum integrates hands-on labs where students configure systems, diagnose problems, and implement technology solutions that mirror real-world IT environments. South Carolina's Information Technology programs prepare students for industry certifications that demonstrate technical competence and enhance employability. Graduates are prepared for entry-level IT positions including help desk support, IT technician, and junior network administrator roles. The pathway also provides foundation for advanced IT specializations and four-year information technology or computer science degree programs.
Digital TechnologyReady to Build Drone Technologies Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Drone Technologies in South Carolina.