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.
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. The role reports a median annual salary of $117,960 in the US and is projected to grow 60% over the next decade (much faster than average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.63 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Active Listening.
Pay in India (occupation group)
No official India pay figure is available for this career.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Physics
- Design
- Administration and Management
What you'd actually do
- Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
- Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
- Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists do?
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.
How much does Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists earn?
The median annual salary for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists in the US is $117,960.
What is the job outlook for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?
The role is projected to grow 60% over the next decade (much faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 31,900 workers.
How do I become remote sensing scientists and technologists?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Active Listening, Science. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?
Our AI-durability model gives Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists a score of 0.63 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.