Occupation · SOC 19-4099.03
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.
Median wage
$60,130
$37,310–$101,870
Projected growth
+3.6%
Average growth
Annual openings
290
per year
Employed (US)
71,400
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
310 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingMathematicsActive ListeningMonitoringSystems AnalysisJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
GeographyComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareCharting softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareProject management softwareWeb platform development software
Representative tasks
Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detectiVerify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.Operate remote sensing equipment on drones to collect data in areas that are difficult to access or require high-resolution imagery.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Geospatial data collection technologies — identify and distinguish under direct supervision across aerial photography, LiDAR, and satellite sensor platforms in a laboratory or field training environment.Remote sensing image files — retrieve and organize following established naming conventions and directory structures within a project data management system.Image processing software interfaces — navigate and execute basic display adjustments under guidance to optimize visual presentation of raw remotely sensed imagery.Data integrity checklists — apply to verify completeness and formatting accuracy of incoming remote sensing datasets before submission to senior technicians.Scanned image tiles — import and align using image processing software under supervision to support photo mosaic assembly tasks on assigned mapping projects.Technical project documentation — read and comprehend to extract sensor specifications, coordinate systems, and flight parameters relevant to assigned data collection tasks.Raw digital imagery — manipulate brightness, contrast, and band combinations using standard software routines under direction to prepare data for preliminary interpretation.Geospatial data integration workflows — follow step-by-step protocols to combine remotely sensed layers with GIS datasets in established project environments.Project meeting notes and stakeholder requirements — listen actively and summarize key technical needs under supervision when supporting interdisciplinary project planning sessions.Basic cartographic output — produce using map creation software following templates and specifications provided by senior remote sensing technicians or scientists.
developing
Aerial and satellite imagery acquisition — coordinate and execute using LiDAR, multispectral, and thermal sensor platforms with reduced oversight on routine mapping assignments.Remote sensing image analysis system outputs — verify integrity and accuracy independently by applying quality assurance procedures and resolving common data anomalies.Remotely sensed data layers — integrate with GIS datasets routinely by selecting appropriate coordinate reference systems and resampling methods in analytical software environments.Image enhancement routines — select and apply within graphics and analytical software to optimize classification accuracy and visual interpretation for standard project deliverables.Photo mosaics of moderate geographic extents — build by merging scanned image datasets using image processing software with attention to seamline quality and radiometric consistency.Raw flight and sensor data — manipulate in-field or post-mission to correct for atmospheric effects and geometric distortions in support of client deliverable timelines.Mapping project requirements — contribute to planning discussions by presenting technical assessments of sensor suitability and data coverage to project teams and scientists.Interdisciplinary project stakeholders — consult with surveyors, cartographers, and engineers routinely to clarify data needs and resolve minor technical discrepancies on active projects.Analytical and scientific software tools — apply to perform quantitative analysis of remotely sensed indices such as NDVI or land surface temperature in environmental study contexts.Technical reports summarizing data acquisition and processing results — write clearly and accurately for review by senior scientists and project managers on multimonth deliverable cycles.
proficient
Complex geospatial data collection campaigns — plan and execute autonomously across multiple sensor modalities including SAR, hyperspectral, and thermal systems in diverse field and aerial environments.End-to-end data integrity validation pipelines — design and conduct across full remote sensing image analysis workflows, resolving non-routine errors in large-scale or time-sensitive projects.Multi-source geospatial data fusion — perform independently by integrating satellite, airborne, and ground-truth datasets using advanced analytical software to produce authoritative spatial products.Non-standard image processing challenges — diagnose and resolve by selecting and customizing processing routines within expert system and analytical software environments on high-complexity deliverables.Large-area photo mosaics spanning regional extents — construct and quality-control by managing radiometric normalization, feathering, and seamline optimization across high-volume image datasets.In-flight and ground-level raw data manipulation — execute with full autonomy to correct sensor artifacts and environmental interference, maintaining data fidelity under variable field conditions.Mapping project architectures — develop from scope through delivery by defining sensor selection, flight planning parameters, processing workflows, and output specifications for interdisciplinary teams.Remote sensing scientists, engineers, and external clients — consult with and advise proactively to align technical capabilities with project objectives, resolving scope and data quality conflicts.Systems analysis of geospatial technology stacks — perform to evaluate performance gaps, recommend software or hardware upgrades, and optimize data pipelines across organizational projects.Critical technical findings and methodology recommendations — communicate through written reports and oral presentations to scientific and non-technical audiences in regulatory or commercial project contexts.
advanced
Organizational remote sensing data acquisition strategy — set and govern by evaluating emerging satellite, UAV, and airborne sensor technologies against long-term programmatic and client portfolio needs.Enterprise-level geospatial data integrity and governance frameworks — establish and maintain to ensure consistent accuracy standards across all remotely sensed products delivered by the organization.Cross-disciplinary geospatial data integration standards — define and enforce to guide technicians and scientists in fusing remote sensing outputs with GIS, survey, and engineering datasets at scale.Senior scientists, agency partners, and executive clients — advise at the strategic level by translating complex remote sensing capabilities into actionable intelligence for high-stakes decision making.Organization-wide image processing and product delivery pipelines — architect by deploying scalable analytical software solutions and workflow automation that elevate team throughput and product quality.Advanced mapping project portfolios — lead from inception through delivery by directing resource allocation, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring on-time, on-budget execution of multi-project programs.Emerging remote sensing methodologies — champion by conducting applied research, evaluating new tools, and institutionalizing best practices that advance organizational technical capabilities.Talent development programs for remote sensing technicians — design and mentor through structured competency pathways, peer review systems, and coaching that build junior-to-senior capability pipelines.Interagency and industry partnerships — cultivate and lead by representing the organization in technical working groups, standards bodies, and collaborative research initiatives at the national or international level.Complex problem solving frameworks for non-routine geospatial challenges — formulate and apply at the organizational level, directing teams in resolving systemic data quality, policy, or technology adoption barriers.
Also known as
43 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Commercial Drone OperatorCommercial Drone PilotCommercial Drone TechnicianDigital Cartographic TechnicianDocument Image TechnicianDrone OperatorDrone PilotDrone TechnicianGeospatial ExtractorGeospatial Technician (Geospatial Tech)Image ScientistImagery AnalystLIDAR Analyst (Light Detection and Ranging Analyst)LIDAR Technician (Light Detection and Ranging Technician)Locate Technician (Locate Tech)Meteorologist LiaisonRemote MonitorRemote PilotRemote Sensing Field TechnicianRemote Sensing Monitoring TechnicianRemote Sensing TechnicianRemote Sensing TechnologistRemotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Controller (RPAS Controller)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operator (RPAS Operator)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Pilot (RPAS Pilot)Remotely Piloted Aircraft Technician (RPA Technician)Research AssociateScannerSmall Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (sUAS Technician)Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator (UAS Operator)Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician (UAS Technician)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Operator (UAV Operator)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Pilot (UAV Pilot)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Technician (UAV Technician)Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UA Operator)Unmanned Aircraft Pilot (UA Pilot)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator (UAS Operator)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UAS Pilot)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician (UAS Technician)