Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Remote sensing scientists and technologists will have good job opportunities in the coming years. Private, commercial, government, and military groups will need the expertise of remote sensing professionals to gather and analyze information for a variety of purposes. Industries such as agriculture, archaeology, environmental sciences, meteorology, engineering, urban planning, and water management will need the skills of remote sensing scientists and technologists. The data they collect contributes to climate change studies and closer examination of natural disaster sites. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts faster than average employment growth for all workers in life, physical, and social science occupations through 2033. Cartographers and photogrammetrists, whose tasks overlap those of remote sensing professionals, will also experience faster-than-average employment growth in that same time frame. An increase in the use of maps for government planning and the growth of mobile and Web-based map products is adding to this job growth. Remote sensing scientists and technologists with strong knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other remote sensing programs and equipment will have the advantage in the job market.