Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

SOC code 19-2099 · O*NET-SOC 19-2099.01 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$122,570

a year

Hourly

$58.93

per hour

10th$67,000Median$122,57090th$195,190

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$129,230

$62.13 per hour

Middle 50%

$86,620 – $161,890

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$67,000 – $195,190

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

22,300

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Physical Scientists, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $67,000; $32.21/hr
25th percentile: $86,620; $41.64/hr
Median percentile: $122,570; $58.93/hr
75th percentile: $161,890; $77.83/hr
90th percentile: $195,190; $93.84/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 60% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree60%
Master's Degree20%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate16%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%

Common questions

How much does a remote sensing scientists and technologists earn?

The national median is $122,570 a year. The full range runs from $67,000 at the 10th percentile to $195,190 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a remote sensing scientists and technologists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Science3.9/5
Mathematics3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Geography4.8/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Mathematics4.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Physics3.5/5
Design3.2/5
Administration and Management3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.