Remote Sensing Technicians
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.
SOC: 19-4099.03
Common Job Titles
Digital Cartographic TechnicianGeospatial ExtractorMeteorologist LiaisonResearch Associate
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign flight plans and sensor configurations for unmanned aerial vehicle missions considering weather constraints, airspace regulations, and mission objectives for data collection.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize geographic, computational, and engineering knowledge to develop innovative remote sensing solutions for homeland security and environmental applications.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze multispectral and hyperspectral imagery data for natural resource assessment using GIS software and remote sensing platforms to support scientists in urban planning and environmental monitoring.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate LIDAR systems, thermal infrared sensors, and multispectral imaging equipment in field environments to acquire geospatial data following established protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate geospatial data quality and accuracy against established standards using quality control procedures to ensure compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeCompare temporal geospatial datasets to identify environmental changes using change detection algorithms and spatial analysis techniques in ESRI ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute UAV missions with fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms following FAA regulations and safety protocols while adapting to dynamic field conditions.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate emerging remote sensing technologies with established workflows while prioritizing project goals and maintaining commitment to data quality standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply Python, R, and SQL programming languages to automate data processing workflows and extract meaningful information from remote sensing datasets.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate remote sensing equipment including GPS receivers and radiometers prior to field deployment to maintain data integrity and measurement precision.Developing
- MindsetSupport interdisciplinary scientific teams through technical consultation when interpreting remote sensing results and recommending appropriate methodologies for research objectives.Developing
- KnowledgePrepare technical documentation and geospatial data visualizations communicating complex remote sensing findings to scientific stakeholders and external organizations.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Remote Sensing Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
71,400
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $37,310 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $101,870 |
| Workers on average earn | $64,640 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Geography4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
AJAXAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe PhotoshopAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationC#C++Cascading style sheets CSSESRI ArcGIS softwareGitGitHubGoogle AnalyticsHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft .NET FrameworkMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerShellMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows ServerMicrosoft WordMySQLOracle DatabaseOracle JavaPerlPythonRReactSAP softwareSASSalesforce softwareServiceNowShell scriptSplunk EnterpriseStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLABUNIXUNIX ShelljQuery
Technology Skills
Aeronautical chartsAgisoft MetashapeAirdataApplied Imagery Quick Terrain ModelerArduPilot Mission PlannerBAE Systems SOCET SETCalibration softwareCloudCompare
Tools & Equipment
Airfield lighting equipmentAnemometersDJI GS ProDesktop computersDigital camerasDroneDeployField computersFixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles UAV