What you can earn in Melbourne
Melbourne work comes in two rhythms. Big events -- the Australian Open, the Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final -- create short, intense bursts of broadcast and brand demand, while the rest of the year is steadier architectural, residential, and construction work across the inner suburbs and the bay. The recurring variable is weather: the four-seasons-in-a-day reputation is earned, so pilots who price in a contingency date and reschedule cleanly are the ones clients rebook.
Typical earnings
A$400 to A$800 for a half-day real estate shoot and A$1,000 to A$3,000 for event or sports coverage, with 90% going straight to you.
We take a 10% platform commission. Standard payment processing fees (Stripe) apply and are charged separately from the commission.
Jobs you would take on in Melbourne
Event and Sports Coverage
Melbourne's major events attract broadcasters and brands that commission drone content for promotion, live coverage, and recap reels. Pilots work closely with event security to plan flights that don't conflict with airspace restrictions.
Residential Real Estate
Inner-city suburbs like Richmond, Fitzroy, and South Yarra, plus bayside suburbs like Brighton and Hampton, commission drone shoots for higher-end listings. Large blocks, pools, and sea views all feature.
Architectural Photography
Architects use drone photography to document completed buildings for awards entries, portfolios, and client presentations. Melbourne has a strong architectural awards scene, which drives demand.
Qualifications you need for Melbourne drone work
Same CASA framework as Sydney applies. Fly in the Excluded Category with a sub-2kg drone under standard conditions, or hold an RePL and operate under a ReOC for closer-to-people and more complex work. Melbourne Airport's controlled airspace covers much of the inner suburbs, and Essendon, Moorabbin, and Avalon add smaller zones, so the airspace check matters on every booking. Event venues like the MCG and Albert Park become temporary restricted airspace during major fixtures -- plan around the calendar.
Looking to hire a pilot in Melbourne instead? See drone services in Melbourne.
How Terasor works
Create your free pilot profile
List your drone, certifications, and territory so clients can match you to the right work.
Browse and bid on charters
Clients post jobs; you submit a price and a proposed date, or upload footage directly on fixed-price charters.
Get paid, keep 90%
Payment is held in escrow and released once the client reviews your footage.
Want the full picture? Learn how Terasor works for pilots.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn as a drone pilot in Melbourne?
A residential real estate shoot is usually AUD 400 to 800 for a half day, event and sports coverage AUD 1,000 to 3,000, and architectural or construction work is priced per project. Broadcast-grade pilots with cinema gear charge a premium. You set the rate when you bid and keep 90% after the flat 10% platform fee.
Do I need an RePL to take jobs in Melbourne?
For straightforward sub-2kg work you can operate in the Excluded Category, but most inner-Melbourne briefs near people or buildings need an RePL operating under a ReOC. The events and architectural work that pays best generally goes to ReOC pilots who can fly the tighter configurations.
What types of drone jobs are most common in Melbourne?
Event and sports coverage during the major fixtures, residential real estate in suburbs like Brighton and South Yarra, architectural photography for awards and portfolios, construction progress on the Metro Tunnel and high-rise projects, and hospitality content for rooftop and laneway venues. The mix shifts with the events calendar.
How does bidding work on Terasor?
Quote-Based charters let you send the client an AUD price and a date and they pick a bid. Fixed-Price charters have a set fee you claim by uploading footage. In both cases the payment sits in Stripe escrow until your work is reviewed, then comes to you minus Terasor's flat 10%.
Can I fly at the MCG, Marvel Stadium, or during the F1?
Not during matches or the Grand Prix -- those become temporary restricted airspace under CASA security provisions, and accredited broadcasters work directly with the event operators. Outside event days you can fly with venue permission. Tracking the fixture and event calendar and securing venue approval early is how you land these briefs before they go to someone else.
Ready to find drone work in Melbourne?
Join Terasor free, set your rates, and start receiving charter requests from clients in Melbourne and beyond.