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Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

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.

SOC: 19-2099.01

Common Job Titles

  • Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
  • Image Scientist
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Remote Sensing Scientist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign novel sensor systems and analytical algorithms using Python, MATLAB, and cloud computing platforms to advance remote sensing capabilities.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize geospatial information from multiple remote sensing platforms integrating LIDAR, SAR, and thermal imaging data to generate comprehensive environmental assessments.
  • KnowledgeFormulate project objectives and data collection strategies for UAV-based remote sensing missions under regulatory and resource constraints.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data using geographic information systems and image processing software to solve natural resource management problems.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate spatial data quality and compliance with technical standards across airborne and spaceborne imaging systems for urban planning and homeland security applications.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex spatial patterns and environmental changes for interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders in technical reports and presentations.
  • MindsetAdvocate best practices in geospatial data management and open-source remote sensing methodologies when training team members and consulting with client organizations.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematical and statistical models to quantify spatial phenomena using R, SQL, and cloud-based big data platforms like Apache Hadoop and AWS.
  • Hands-onOperate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground control equipment following safety protocols and flight planning procedures using DroneDeploy and Mission Planner.
  • Hands-onCalibrate spectral imaging sensors and GPS devices using ground control targets and calibration software to ensure measurement accuracy.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

22,580

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $61,990. 25th percentile: U.S. $82,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $117,960. 75th percentile: U.S. $154,900. 90th percentile: U.S. $191,880. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$61,990
10% of workers earn the following or more$191,880
Workers on average earn$123,070

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Geography4.8/5
  • Mathematics4.2/5
  • Computers and Electronics4.2/5
  • Engineering and Technology3.9/5
  • English Language3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
  • Amazon Redshift
  • Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
  • Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Ansible software
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Kafka
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Bash
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Docker
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Elasticsearch
  • Epic Systems
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • Go
  • JavaScript
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • NoSQL
  • Node.js
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • PostgreSQL
  • Puppet
  • Python
  • R
  • Ruby
  • Salesforce software
  • Scala
  • Selenium
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Swift
  • Tableau
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Technology Skills

  • Aeronautical charts
  • Agisoft Metashape
  • Airdata
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • ArduPilot Mission Planner
  • BAE Systems SOCET GXP
  • Calibration software
  • CloudCompare
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Airborne imaging systems
  • Airfield lighting equipment
  • Anemometers
  • DJI GS Pro
  • Desktop computers
  • Doppler Rayleigh laser imaging ranging and detecting LIDAR systems
  • DroneDeploy
  • DroneLogbook
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment