Life, Physical & Social Science
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Also called: Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, Image Scientist, Remote Sensing Analyst, Remote Sensing Scientist
US median pay
$122,570
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.1%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,400
26,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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 they do 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.
- Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
- Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.6/5
- Systems Analysis3.6/5
- Operations Analysis3.2/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
Knowledge
- Geography4.8/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Physics3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree60%
- Master's degree20%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.