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
$122,570
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.4
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
$67,000
10th percentile
Early Career
$86,620
25th percentile
Median
$122,570
50th percentile
Experienced
$161,890
75th percentile
Top Earners
$195,190
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$67,000
25th
$86,620
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$122,570
Mean: $129,230
75th
$161,890
90th
$195,190
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $128,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $86,620 and $161,890
- •Salary spread is 61.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 22,300 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:26,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services19.7%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services19.7%
Scientific Research and Development Services9.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:1,400
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)26,600
Current
2035 (Projected)27,100
+2.1%
+600
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 41 locations
California
2,320 jobs$130,6100.89x
Texas
2,310 jobs$100,9201.15x
Maryland
1,810 jobs$141,2904.56x
New York
1,510 jobs$117,8201.09x
Virginia
1,450 jobs$02.46x
Indiana
1,240 jobs$68,6702.70x
Georgia
1,020 jobs$137,6801.46x
District of Columbia
790 jobs$156,7307.88x
Colorado
710 jobs$134,4401.72x
North Carolina
650 jobs$110,0300.92x
New Jersey
590 jobs$109,9900.96x
Illinois
580 jobs$108,9700.66x
Minnesota
540 jobs$147,8901.28x
Pennsylvania
460 jobs$134,7800.53x
Washington
450 jobs$133,9800.88x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Geography
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Deductive Reasoning
100%
#4
Computers and Electronics
94%
#5
Reading Comprehension
94%
#6
Inductive Reasoning
92%
#7
Mathematics
86%
#8
Science
86%
#9
Written Expression
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
Geography
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Deductive Reasoning
advanced5.0
100%
Computers and Electronics
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Inductive Reasoning
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Science
intermediate4.3
86%
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:
Geography
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Computers and Electronics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Inductive Reasoning
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Expression
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Geography
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Physics
- →Design
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Geography
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Geography
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Mathematics
- ★Engineering and Technology
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 →Trade Colleges That Train for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
797 program completions/year
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
744 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
677 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
605 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
539 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
524 program completions/year
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
512 program completions/year
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
507 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
498 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
496 program completions/year
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA
494 program completions/year
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