Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

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.

Most important skills

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Science
Mathematics
Complex Problem Solving

Key knowledge

Geography
Computers and Electronics
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
English Language
Physics
Design
Administration and Management

What the work involves

Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
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.
Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Investigative, Realistic, Conventional.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Bachelor's Degree (60% of respondents)
Related experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (32%)
On-the-job training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (32%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 4: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.
Projection education uses SOC 19-2099 (detailed_parent); it may describe a broader group.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Very low	Lower on contact with others than 92% of occupations compared	44% of surveyed respondents chose “Contact with others most of the time”
Dealing with the public	Low	Lower on dealing with the public than 72% of occupations compared	36% of surveyed respondents chose “Fairly important”
Teamwork	Moderate	Lower on teamwork than 53% of occupations compared	58% of surveyed respondents chose “Very important”
Freedom to make decisions	Moderate	Lower on freedom to make decisions than 51% of occupations compared	64% of surveyed respondents chose “Some freedom”
Time pressure	Very low	Lower on time pressure than 80% of occupations compared	44% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Conflict situations	Very low	Lower on conflict situations than 93% of occupations compared	68% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Very low	Lower on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 94% of occupations compared	58% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Consequence of error	Low	Lower on consequence of error than 72% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Fairly serious”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: very low
Conflict situations: very low
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: very low
Consequence of error: low

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions