Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (occupation group), with detailed role definition from O*NET, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
Consult with remote sensing scientists, surveyors, cartographers, or engineers to determine project needs.
Adjust remotely sensed images for optimum presentation by using software to select image displays, define image set categories, or choose processing routines.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionMathematicsSystems AnalysisMonitoring
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Remote Sensing Technician pay by experience level
Entry level$40,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$49,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$64,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$82,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$106,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+3.5%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
10,600
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Remote Sensing Technician salary by industry
Educational Services
26,500 workers
$64,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
25,880 workers
$64,500
Educational Services, State Government Owned
20,020 workers
$66,000
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
16,010 workers
$71,500
Scientific Research and Development Services
10,070 workers
$72,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
8,510 workers
$74,000
Administrative and Support Services
5,560 workers
$60,500
Employment Services
5,290 workers
$60,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
5,290 workers
$82,000
Educational Services, Privately Owned
5,180 workers
$59,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Remote Sensing Technician pays 32% below the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
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