What Does it Take to Be a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist?
Example of Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
- Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
- Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
- Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
- Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
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Qualities of a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Other Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist Job Titles
- Remote Sensing Certified Mapping Scientist
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- Remote Sensing Specialist
- Radar Exploitation Scientist
- Research and Development Director (R&D Director)
Is There Going to be Demand for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?
There were about 23,500 jobs for Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist are Nevada, Nebraska, and New Mexico. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, West Virginia, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist Salary
The typical yearly salary for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists is somewhere between $51,730 and $164,210.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
How much do Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $122,420 |
| Alaska | $95,380 |
| Arizona | $87,870 |
| California | $117,830 |
| Colorado | $116,530 |
| Connecticut | $108,770 |
| District of Columbia | $134,100 |
| Florida | $88,270 |
| Georgia | $106,560 |
| Hawaii | $97,080 |
| Idaho | $64,900 |
| Illinois | $97,720 |
| Indiana | $81,740 |
| Kansas | $97,300 |
| Kentucky | $94,700 |
| Louisiana | $99,540 |
| Maryland | $130,450 |
| Massachusetts | $111,910 |
| Michigan | $94,810 |
| Mississippi | $87,010 |
| Missouri | $92,960 |
| Montana | $64,320 |
| New Hampshire | $89,600 |
| New Jersey | $96,850 |
| New Mexico | $127,210 |
| New York | $103,970 |
| North Carolina | $96,450 |
| North Dakota | $47,990 |
| Ohio | $102,370 |
| Oklahoma | $83,960 |
| Oregon | $82,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,050 |
| Rhode Island | $108,290 |
| South Carolina | $116,000 |
| Tennessee | $90,800 |
| Texas | $101,320 |
| Virginia | $121,850 |
| Washington | $108,430 |
| West Virginia | $103,810 |
| Wisconsin | $78,180 |
What Tools & Technology do Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- UNIX
- C
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Interface definition language IDL
- Image processing software
- C++
- RSI ENVI
How do I Become a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist?
What education is needed to be a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Agsftw via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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