Certified Thermographers: A Lucrative Career in Infrared Drone Inspections

Some professionals can “see” heat, detect invisible problems before they spiral out of control, and get paid handsomely for it. That’s the power of thermography, and with drones taking the field to new heights—literally—it’s an exciting time to jump in. 

From inspecting solar panels and power lines to spotting hidden leaks in buildings or tracking wildlife at night, thermal drone imaging is everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a new career, a side hustle, or a way to upgrade your skills, becoming a certified thermographer opens doors to industries that pay well, need experts, and aren’t slowing down anytime soon. 

And you don’t need years of experience to get started. With the right certification, you can turn this high-tech skill into a profitable career—whether as a freelancer, a contractor, or part of a specialized team.

Who is a Certified Thermographer?

A certified thermographer is a professional trained in using infrared imaging cameras to detect and analyze heat patterns for various applications. In the context of UAVs, they  operate drone-mounted thermal cameras for inspections in industries like power line monitoring, search and rescue, roofing, and infrastructure assessment. 

Certification typically comes from organizations like ABJ’s Level I and II thermography programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and accurate data interpretation.

Why? It’s not just about pointing a drone camera and looking at colors. 

Temperature readings can be misleading. Emissivity—how well a surface emits infrared radiation—affects readings. A matte black surface absorbs and emits heat differently than a shiny metal one. Certified thermographers must adjust drone camera settings for accurate measurements.

Learn more about temperature sensitivity or NETD (Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference) here: The Power Of A Thermal Imaging Drone — Tech Insights And Buying Guide

Weather conditions also matter. Wind, humidity, and rain can distort readings, making outdoor scans tricky. That’s why experienced thermographers know the best conditions for inspections—usually dry, calm weather with steady temperatures. 

Mistakes in thermography aren’t just costly—they can be dangerous. A faulty electrical inspection could miss a hot spot in a breaker panel, leading to a fire. A misread infrared scan on a roof could mean thousands of dollars wasted fixing the wrong issue. A trained thermographer understands these variables and adjusts for them.

That’s why certification matters. It proves you know how to handle thermal imaging equipment, interpret the data correctly, and follow industry standards. Many insurance companies and regulatory bodies only accept reports from certified thermographers because accuracy is everything in predictive maintenance, energy audits, and safety inspections.

So, if you’re serious about infrared drone inspections, you’ll need to get certified.

Related Reading: How Do Thermal Drones Work?

Levels of Drone Thermography Certification

There are two levels of drone thermography training, the second building on the first.

Level I Certification

What You’ll Learn

At Level 1, you learn the fundamentals of infrared thermography and how to apply them with drones. This includes:

1. The Science of Infrared Thermography

• Understanding the difference between heat and temperature. For instance, a metal roof on a hot day may have the same temperature as a brick wall, but they absorb and release heat differently. You’ll learn how.
• How infrared radiation works, how it’s detected by the thermal camera and converted into a visible image using color gradients.
• The concept of emissivity, reflectivity, and transmissivity. Like what do you do to measure the actual temperature of a shiny metal surface which is also reflecting infrared radiation?

2. Thermal Camera Operation and Image Processing

• Understanding different types of thermal cameras, like the long-wave units used for building inspections, electrical faults, and solar panel monitoring, as well as the mid-wave infrared cameras used in detecting heat leaks in furnaces or gas leaks in pipelines.
• Adjusting camera settings for accurate readings, e.g best temperature range for detecting hotspots when inspecting a solar panel, as well as ideal focus and resolution for detailed analysis. 

3. Industry-Specific Applications

• Solar Panel Inspections – Identifying dead cells, shading issues, and electrical faults in photovoltaic panels.
• Building Inspections – Detecting moisture, missing insulation, or structural damage. For instance, if a section of a wall appears cooler than the rest, it may indicate water leakage.
• Electrical Inspections – Locating overheating components in powerlines or electrical panels. 

4. Thermal Image Interpretation

• Reading a thermal image correctly – Understanding color gradients:
  • Bright yellow/white = High temperatures (overheating components).
  • Dark blue/purple = Cooler temperatures (moisture buildup or insulation gaps).
• Avoiding false readings – Recognizing when reflections, background heat, or wind interference affect accuracy.

Certification Requirements

To pass Level 1, you need to:
✔️ Complete an online theory course.
✔️ Score at least 80% on a 30-question multiple-choice test​.
✔️ Attend a practical training session (recommended).

Once completed, you’ll receive a UAS Thermography Level 1 certification, proving you can perform basic thermal inspections with a drone.

Get the full course from ABJ Academy here: Drone Thermography Level 1

Level II Certification

What You’ll Learn

Level 2 builds on Level 1 and focuses on advanced techniques, defect analysis, and industry compliance.

1. Advanced Camera Operation & Image Optimization

• Using radiometric thermal cameras – These cameras store temperature data for every pixel, allowing you to analyze heat distribution precisely.
• Customizing color palettes for better clarity, like ironbow palette for detecting electrical issues or white hot/black hot for industrial inspections.
• Using software tools like FLIR system for thermal analysis to generate thermal reports with exact temperature readings and annotations.

2. Identifying & Analyzing Defects in Thermographic Images

Finding early-stage defects in materials and machinery: Like how that hotspot in a wind turbine blade, could be a sign of internal delamination. On the other hand, a  powerline inspection may reveal a loose connection with abnormally high temperatures compared to surrounding cables.

3. Industry Standards & Compliance

• Understanding ISO 18434-1 (Thermography for Condition Monitoring) – Essential for industrial inspections.
• NFPA 70B (National Electrical Code) – Important for electrical system inspections.
• ASTM E1934 – The standard guide for conducting thermographic inspections in buildings.

4. Creating Professional Thermographic Reports

• Writing clear, data-driven reports that clients can use for preventive maintenance.
• Including temperature values, thermal images, and recommended corrective actions.

For instance, if inspecting a solar farm, you would need a detailed report showing the panels with abnormally high readings (which suggests a malfunction), as well as the recommendations, like replacing the panel or checking the inverter connection.

Certification Requirements

To pass Level 2, you must:
✔️ Complete advanced coursework.
✔️ Pass a theory exam and practical assessment.
✔️ Submit thermographic reports for evaluation​.

This certification proves you can analyze thermal data, identify defects, and work in specialized industries.

Get the full course from ABJ Academy here: Drone Thermography Level 2

Reasons To Become A Certified Thermographer

Getting certified in drone thermography gives you a professional edge. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Stand out from competitors – Certified thermographers are preferred for high-value contracts.
• Increase earning potential – Thermographers can charge between $150 to $500 per hour depending on expertise.
• Meet industry regulations – Many companies require certified professionals for insurance and safety compliance.
• Improve accuracy – Training helps avoid false readings and incorrect diagnoses that could lead to costly mistakes.

If you want to become a skilled drone thermographer, certification is the best way to get there.

1️⃣ Start with Level 1 to learn the fundamentals of infrared imaging and drone operation.
2️⃣ Advance to Level 2 to master thermal analysis, defect identification, and industry standards.

Advantages of Using Drones for Thermographic Surveys

Time and Cost Efficiency

A manual roof inspection can take a full day and cost over $1,500. A thermal drone does it in under 30 minutes—for a fraction of the price.

Solar panel inspections? A single drone can scan up to 10 megawatts of solar panels per hour. That’s nearly 50 football fields worth of panels. A ground team would need days to cover the same area.

In the power industry, major companies report that thermal drones have cut inspection costs by 60% to 80%. That’s millions in savings for utilities managing thousands of miles of power lines.

Enhanced Data Accuracy and Coverage

More area. More details. Fewer mistakes.

Thermal drones don’t just give you faster results—they give you better data.

They scan large sites from above, capturing hidden heat anomalies that ground-based inspections often miss. Unlike handheld infrared cameras, drones provide consistent angles and full-site coverage, reducing errors caused by human movement or bad positioning.

Some thermal drone systems use machine learning to compare live scans with historical data, flagging abnormal temperature changes instantly. That means faster detection of failing equipment, structural weaknesses, and safety hazards.

Essential Equipment for Drone-Based Thermography

Not all drones work for thermal imaging. You need the right gear.

Thermal Cameras Compatible with Drones

A thermal drone is only as good as its camera. High-resolution infrared sensors make all the difference. Top cameras::

• Detect temperature differences as small as 0.02°C.
• Capture radiometric data, so every pixel has an exact temperature reading.
• Overlay thermal images with RGB visuals, making it easier to pinpoint heat sources.

While lower-end cameras can be used for basic roof inspections and small-scale surveys. But industrial inspections need higher resolution and radiometric capabilities.

Drone Specifications for Carrying Thermal Imaging Equipment

Importance of Specialized Training For Drone Thermography

A drone with a thermal camera is only as good as the person flying it. Certified drone thermographers know how to interpret heat signatures, adjust camera settings, and correct false readings. Without training, a simple reflection off a metal roof could be mistaken for a structural failure. That’s a big mistake—one that could lead to wasted money, unnecessary repairs, or serious safety risks.

Ensuring Accurate Data Collection and Interpretation

Data means nothing if it’s wrong. Majority of infrared inspection errors happen due to misinterpretation or incorrect camera settings. That’s huge.

Humidity, wind, and even surface materials can distort infrared readings. A certified thermographer understands how to adjust for emissivity, compensate for weather conditions, and identify false positives. This isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about reading the thermal data correctly.

Without proper training, a hotspot on a power line could be dismissed as a glitch when it’s actually a serious failure waiting to happen.

Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations

Government agencies, insurance companies, and industrial clients all follow strict guidelines for thermal inspections. Many won’t even accept reports from uncertified operators.

The FAA requires all commercial drone pilots to be certified under Part 107 regulations. But that’s just for flying. To legally conduct thermographic inspections, many industries require Level I or Level II thermography certification.

Skipping training isn’t an option. If you want to work with utility companies, government agencies, or large corporations, certification is a must.

Applications of Drone Thermography Across Industries

So in which sectors can certified thermographers make money and grow their careers? 

Building and Infrastructure Inspections

Building structures don’t fail overnight. The warning signs are there—you just need to see them.

Thermal drones expose hidden water leaks, insulation gaps, and overheating electrical systems before they cause serious damage. No ladders. No scaffolding. No risky climbs. Just high-resolution thermal scans showing you exactly where the problems are.

Roof Inspections

Roofs leak. It’s just a matter of when.

By the time water stains appear on a ceiling, the damage is done. Insulation is soaked, wooden beams are weakening, and mold is setting in. Thermal drones can catch moisture intrusion long before the first drop falls inside.

How?

Wet insulation retains heat differently than dry materials. Infrared cameras detect these variations, pinpointing trapped moisture, hidden leaks, and insulation breakdowns that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

That’s huge for commercial buildings. A leaky roof in a warehouse can ruin inventory. A damaged hospital roof can create unsafe conditions for patients. And for homeowners? A missed leak today could mean a $10,000 roof replacement tomorrow.

It’s not just about water. Thermal inspections also uncover insulation gaps, energy loss, and heat buildup that lead to sky-high energy bills. In fact, studies show poor insulation can increase heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.

And if you’re in storm-prone areas, drone-based thermal inspections can quickly assess roof damage after hurricanes or heavy storms, helping homeowners and insurance companies process claims faster.

Electrical Systems

Heat is the enemy of electrical systems. When wires, breakers, or transformers overheat, they fail. Worse, they can catch fire.

Infrared thermography is one of the most effective ways to detect electrical faults before they become disasters. Thermal drones scan substations, power lines, and industrial electrical panels, spotting hot spots caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, and failing components.

The numbers are alarming. Electrical failures cause more than 45,000 home fires in the U.S. every year. And for businesses, electrical failures are even more costly—leading to downtime, equipment loss, and serious safety risks.

A single unplanned shutdown in a manufacturing plant can cost $250,000 per hour. That’s why major industries rely on thermal imaging to find failing parts before they break down.

Even better? Infrared inspections don’t require shutting down equipment. A thermal drone can scan high-voltage systems from a safe distance, identifying overheating components without interrupting operations.

This is why many insurance companies and regulatory agencies require annual infrared electrical inspections. A quick scan today can prevent a massive failure tomorrow.

Renewable Energy Sector

Clean energy is growing fast. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems are everywhere. But keeping them running at peak efficiency isn’t easy. Thermal drone spot failing components, detect hidden issues, and prevent costly breakdowns before they happen.

Solar Panel Inspections

Solar panels don’t last forever. When cells overheat, wiring fails, or debris blocks sunlight, efficiency drops—sometimes without obvious signs. Damaged solar panels can lose up to 30% of their energy output. That’s money lost every single day.

And the problem isn’t rare. A single 5MW solar farm can have over 400 defective cells. Without infrared imaging, these failures would have gone unnoticed—costing the company thousands in wasted energy.

So how do certified thermographers with drones help?

• Detect hot spots where cells are overheating due to microcracks or faulty wiring.
• Identify shading issues caused by dirt, bird droppings, or misplaced panels.
• Find electrical imbalances between strings of panels, which reduce system efficiency.
• Reducs inspection costs—what used to take days with handheld infrared cameras now takes hours with a drone.

Energy companies using thermal drone inspections report a 50% drop in maintenance costs and longer system lifespans.

Wind Turbine Inspections

Wind turbines are massive. Each blade can be over 200 feet long, and a single turbine can produce enough energy to power 1,500 homes. But when blade damage, internal overheating, or gearbox failures go unnoticed, efficiency plummets. Worse, a single failed component can shut down an entire turbine.

Manual inspections are slow and risky. Workers climb 300-foot towers or rely on ground-based cameras, which miss small cracks and internal heat buildup.

Thermal drones change that.

A drone-mounted infrared camera can scan an entire wind turbine in minutes, detecting:

• Overheating in generators and gearboxes, where failures often start.
• Blade defects, like cracks, erosion, or internal delamination.
• Loose electrical connections, which increase resistance and heat buildup.

Without thermal imaging, some blade defects are invisible until they fail. A 2019 industry report found that 70% of blade failures began as small cracks that could have been detected early with infrared scans.

By reducing downtime and preventing unexpected failures, thermal drone inspections save energy companies millions in repair and replacement costs.

Industrial Applications

A hidden gas leak, an overheating machine, or a failing pump can shut down an entire operation—or worse, cause a disaster. Thermal drones find these problems fast, from a safe distance, and before they escalate.

Oil and Gas Inspections

Leaks are dangerous. Methane, propane, and other gases are invisible—but not to thermal cameras. A drone equipped with such a payload can fly over pipelines, refineries, and offshore rigs, detecting gas leaks, overheating equipment, and corroded infrastructure. 

Why does this matter?

• Gas leaks increase fire and explosion risks. A single spark in a leaking refinery can trigger a catastrophe.
• Refinery equipment runs at extreme temperatures. Overheating can lead to unplanned shutdowns or mechanical failures.
• Corrosion in pipelines is a ticking time bomb. A small crack today could become a million-dollar spill tomorrow.

With thermal drones, inspectors can monitor miles of pipelines in hours—without shutting down operations or putting workers in dangerous conditions.

Environmental and Agricultural Monitoring

Farming and conservation are full of unknowns. Pests, drought, and wildlife threats can wipe out entire ecosystems—or destroy crops before you even know there’s a problem. Certified thermographers with drones spot crop stress, water shortages, and wildlife movement without disturbing the environment.

Precision Agriculture

Farmers work with data—and thermal imaging delivers it faster than ever.

Early detection of drought stress can improve crop yields by up to 20%. That’s the difference between a profitable harvest and a major loss. The drone data even cut irrigation costs. That’s a huge saving for farms struggling with rising water prices.

Thermal drones scan entire fields in minutes, revealing:

• Drought stress, before crops start wilting.
• Pest infestations, by detecting heat differences in affected plants.
• Soil moisture levels, guiding more efficient irrigation.

Wildlife and Conservation Applications

Nature groups and governments use infrared drones to track poachers in across parks, reducing incidents in monitored areas. How? By detecting human heat signatures in restricted zones.

Thermal imaging is also changing wildlife research. Scientists use drones to:

• Track endangered species without disturbing their habitat.
• Monitor migration patterns, even at night.
• Count animal populations, without relying on ground teams.

This is more than convenience. Accurate population tracking helps conservationists prevent species decline before it’s too late.

ABJ Drone Academy For Certified Thermographers 

Want affordable, online training with international recognition?  The ABJ Drone Academy offers online courses for Thermography Certification that cover infrared science, drone operations, and real-world applications.

What makes it different?

• Fully online format with interactive lessons.
• Emphasis on practical drone thermography for inspections.
• Recognized globally 

The online structure makes it easier to learn at your own pace while still getting certified by industry experts.

Explore Online Drone Courses Here