Remote Sensing Technicians

SOC code 19-4099 · O*NET-SOC 19-4099.03 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Remote Sensing Technicians pay

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

Median pay

$62,280

a year

Hourly

$29.94

per hour

10th$39,000Median$62,28090th$102,690

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

Average pay

$66,280

$31.86 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,030 – $79,780

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,000 – $102,690

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

73,910

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 “Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $39,000; $18.75/hr
25th percentile: $48,030; $23.09/hr
Median percentile: $62,280; $29.94/hr
75th percentile: $79,780; $38.36/hr
90th percentile: $102,690; $49.37/hr

What does a remote sensing technician do?

Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
Correct raw data for errors due to factors such as skew or atmospheric variation.
Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.
Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.
Manipulate raw data to enhance interpretation, either on the ground or during remote sensing flights.
Merge scanned images or build photo mosaics of large areas, using image processing software.

How to become a remote sensing technician

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 62% 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 Degree62%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate8%

Common questions

How much does a remote sensing technician earn?

The national median is $62,280 a year. The full range runs from $39,000 at the 10th percentile to $102,690 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 technician 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

Critical Thinking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Speaking3.5/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Active Listening3.4/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Writing3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Geography4.3/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
English Language3.1/5
Education and Training2.8/5

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