Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
SOC: 19-2099 O*NET: 19-2099.01
Median Salary
$117,960
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.
What does a Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$61,990
10th percentile
Early Career
$82,450
25th percentile
Median
$117,960
50th percentile
Experienced
$154,900
75th percentile
Top Earners
$191,880
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$61,990
25th
$82,450
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$117,960
Mean: $123,070
75th
$154,900
90th
$191,880
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $129,890 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $82,450 and $154,900
- •Salary spread is 61.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 22,580 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:31,900
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services19%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services19%
Scientific Research and Development Services7.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.6%
Annual Openings:2,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)31,900
Current
2034 (Projected)32,100
+0.6%
+200
Employment Change
+0.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
California
2,220 jobs$128,2500.84x
Maryland
1,900 jobs$143,2104.72x
Texas
1,810 jobs$98,4600.89x
New York
1,600 jobs$114,4301.15x
Virginia
1,560 jobs$128,0402.63x
Indiana
1,240 jobs$64,3002.66x
Georgia
1,040 jobs$131,7701.46x
District of Columbia
860 jobs$157,9808.28x
Colorado
830 jobs$130,2901.95x
New Jersey
820 jobs$102,3501.32x
Pennsylvania
680 jobs$98,8600.77x
Minnesota
600 jobs$167,1101.40x
North Carolina
570 jobs$111,4900.80x
Illinois
560 jobs$108,6300.63x
Massachusetts
520 jobs$143,6400.97x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Science
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Mathematics
46%
#10
Systems Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Science
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Aerospace Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Science
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.68
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.68
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.20
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.12
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.08
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.04
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.7
Integrity
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Dependability
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Initiative
4.0
Innovation
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists.
Browse Training Programs →