What Does it Take to Be a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist?
Occupation Description 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 Scientist or Technologist Responsibilities
- Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
- Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
- Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
- Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist Needed Skills
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Remote Sensing Program Manager
- Thermal Intelligence Analyst
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Spectral Scientist
- Scientist
Is There Job Demand for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?
There were about 23,500 jobs for Physical Scientists in 2016 (in the United States).
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,000 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Physical Scientists are California, Michigan, and Texas.
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.
Average Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist ranges between $51,730 and $164,210. The median salary is $107,230.
How much do Physical Scientists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
District of Columbia |
$134,100 |
|
Maryland |
$130,450 |
|
New Mexico |
$127,210 |
|
Alabama |
$122,420 |
|
Virginia |
$121,850 |
|
California |
$117,830 |
|
Colorado |
$116,530 |
|
South Carolina |
$116,000 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$115,050 |
|
Massachusetts |
$111,910 |
|
Connecticut |
$108,770 |
|
Washington |
$108,430 |
|
Rhode Island |
$108,290 |
|
Georgia |
$106,560 |
|
New York |
$103,970 |
|
West Virginia |
$103,810 |
|
Ohio |
$102,370 |
|
Texas |
$101,320 |
|
Louisiana |
$99,540 |
|
Illinois |
$97,720 |
|
Kansas |
$97,300 |
|
Hawaii |
$97,080 |
|
New Jersey |
$96,850 |
|
North Carolina |
$96,450 |
|
Alaska |
$95,380 |
|
Michigan |
$94,810 |
|
Kentucky |
$94,700 |
|
Missouri |
$92,960 |
|
Tennessee |
$90,800 |
|
New Hampshire |
$89,600 |
|
Florida |
$88,270 |
|
Arizona |
$87,870 |
|
Mississippi |
$87,010 |
|
Oklahoma |
$83,960 |
|
Oregon |
$82,560 |
|
Indiana |
$81,740 |
|
Wisconsin |
$78,180 |
|
Idaho |
$64,900 |
|
Montana |
$64,320 |
|
North Dakota |
$47,990 |
What Tools & Technology do Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- Oracle Java
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- C++
- Linux
- UNIX
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Structured query language SQL
- C
- Microsoft Office
Who Employs Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists?
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist may also be interested in:
- Photonics Engineers
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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