Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists Salary by State
The national median pay for remote sensing scientists and technologists is $122,570 a year. By state, it ranges from $68,670 in Indiana to $156,730 in District of Columbia. These figures are for the broader BLS group “Physical Scientists, All Other”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $67,000
- 25th percentile
- $86,620
- Median
- $122,570
- 75th percentile
- $161,890
- Top 10%
- $195,190
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job (broader BLS group “Physical Scientists, All Other”). About 22,300 jobs.
Median pay in 38 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $156,730 | +28% | $101,400 | $195,190 | 790 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $147,890 | +21% | $64,980 | $223,980 | 540 |
| 3 | North Dakota | $147,650 | +20% | $82,840 | $149,650 | 70 |
| 4 | Maryland | $141,290 | +15% | $76,820 | $195,190 | 1,810 |
| 5 | South Carolina | $141,130 | +15% | $88,610 | $187,740 | 70 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $138,380 | +13% | $74,590 | $195,770 | 350 |
| 7 | Georgia | $137,680 | +12% | $86,790 | $174,730 | 1,020 |
| 8 | Alabama | $135,350 | +10% | $97,470 | $206,060 | 140 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $134,780 | +10% | $76,440 | $195,190 | 460 |
| 10 | Colorado | $134,440 | +10% | $82,760 | $225,810 | 710 |
| 11 | Washington | $133,980 | +9% | $94,540 | $195,190 | 450 |
| 12 | Florida | $131,690 | +7% | $88,610 | $263,640 | 340 |
| 13 | California | $130,610 | +7% | $81,360 | $211,150 | 2,320 |
| 14 | Tennessee | $129,570 | +6% | $46,680 | $241,340 | 120 |
| 15 | Arizona | $125,270 | +2% | $88,610 | $165,400 | 170 |
| 16 | New Mexico | $123,820 | +1% | $77,230 | $192,480 | 240 |
| 17 | Alaska | $120,240 | −2% | $83,600 | $171,850 | 140 |
| 18 | Michigan | $118,870 | −3% | $81,540 | $164,380 | 130 |
| 19 | New York | $117,820 | −4% | $67,220 | $175,690 | 1,510 |
| 20 | Utah | $115,920 | −5% | $64,390 | $149,430 | 250 |
| 21 | Hawaii | $112,880 | −8% | $69,600 | $169,000 | 100 |
| 22 | New Hampshire | $112,370 | −8% | $66,850 | $195,190 | 210 |
| 23 | Oklahoma | $112,260 | −8% | $84,220 | $161,890 | 80 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $110,030 | −10% | $62,320 | $169,040 | 650 |
| 25 | New Jersey | $109,990 | −10% | $57,630 | $182,920 | 590 |
| 26 | Oregon | $109,580 | −11% | $72,830 | $147,600 | 290 |
| 27 | Illinois | $108,970 | −11% | $53,140 | $169,480 | 580 |
| 28 | Mississippi | $108,890 | −11% | $61,110 | $153,570 | 380 |
| 29 | Ohio | $108,790 | −11% | $63,460 | $174,640 | 430 |
| 30 | Nebraska | $101,440 | −17% | $74,670 | $138,360 | 40 |
| 31 | Texas | $100,920 | −18% | $59,170 | $180,460 | 2,310 |
| 32 | Connecticut | $99,990 | −18% | $80,080 | $278,160 | 370 |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $97,470 | −20% | $63,130 | $161,890 | 70 |
| 34 | Montana | $94,520 | −23% | $52,790 | $122,930 | 100 |
| 35 | Louisiana | $94,320 | −23% | $68,930 | $161,890 | 280 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $81,260 | −34% | $41,370 | $108,410 | 260 |
| 37 | Iowa | $80,810 | −34% | $61,110 | $177,200 | 100 |
| 38 | Wyoming | $69,240 | −44% | $63,130 | $105,370 | 60 |
| 39 | Indiana | $68,670 | −44% | $52,600 | $105,510 | 1,240 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates for the broader group “Physical Scientists, All Other”. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists salary questions
Which state pays remote sensing scientists and technologists the most?
District of Columbia, with a median of $156,730 a year (+28% vs. the national median of $122,570). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays remote sensing scientists and technologists the least?
Indiana, with a median of $68,670 a year (−44% vs. national).
Where do most remote sensing scientists and technologists work?
California has the most jobs, about 2,320, with a median of $130,610.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.