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The differences between remote sensing engineers and engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a remote sensing engineer, becoming an engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a remote sensing engineer has an average salary of $93,371, which is higher than the $92,077 average annual salary of an engineer.
The top three skills for a remote sensing engineer include remote sensing, RF and lidar. The most important skills for an engineer are python, cloud, and C++.
| Remote Sensing Engineer | Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,371 | $92,077 |
| Hourly rate | $44.89 | $44.27 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 74,159 | 618,207 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A remote sensing engineer applies remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management and urban planning. They may develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems. Their duties and responsibilities also include designing or implementing strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Remote sensing engineers and engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Remote Sensing Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average salary | $93,371 | $92,077 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $141,000 | Between $65,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Huntsville, AL |
| Highest paying state | California | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Apple | Fort Bend County |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a remote sensing engineer and an engineer in terms of educational background:
| Remote Sensing Engineer | Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between remote sensing engineers' and engineers' demographics:
| Remote Sensing Engineer | Engineer | |
| Average age | 40 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 28.9% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 15.0% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |