How To Become A Sensor Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a sensor operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Sensor operators are responsible for monitoring the surveillance and weapon systems of unmanned aircraft in a remote setting, ensuring each mission is successful. They detect the correct targets using various forms of radar and video while employing airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes to actively or passively complete their missions. They also acquire, track, and monitor airborne, maritime, and ground objects.

Sensor operators earn an average salary of $56,000 annually or $27 per hour. Their duties include conducting reconnaissance and surveillance of potential targets and areas of interest. They discriminate between valid and invalid targets using radar, low-light, infrared video imagery, and other tracking systems. They also assist with flight operations, debriefing, and planning missions.

In terms of academic qualifications, sensor operators hold a bachelor's degree in a similar role from an accredited university. Although, it is possible to gain employment in entry-level positions with a high school diploma or its equivalent. They are expected to have some experience as sensor operators or in a related field.

ScoreSensor OperatorUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,597

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

2.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%

Asian 7.57%

Black or African American 13.91%

Hispanic or Latino 21.56%

Unknown 6.25%

White 49.99%

Gender

female 11.26%

male 88.74%

Age - 22

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 22

Key steps to become a sensor operator

Explore sensor operator education requirements

Most common sensor operator degrees

Bachelor's

44.4 %

Associate

38.1 %

High School Diploma

9.0 %

Start to develop specific sensor operator skills

Skills	Percentages
ISR	9.89%
Flight Operations	8.94%
Mission Planning	7.94%
Reconnaissance	7.31%
DOD	5.86%

Research sensor operator duties and responsibilities

Lead basic reconnaissance operations and report enemy movements to commanding officers.
Supervise and perform inter-service liaison activities to ensure effective integration of combat air resources on the battlefield.
Track, order, and inventory radio navigation equipment for DOD supply system.
Log 4656 RPA flight hours , 498 combat sorties in three areas of responsibility.

Prepare your sensor operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sensor operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a sensor operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Sensor Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Sensor Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Sensor Operator resume.

Apply for sensor operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a sensor operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

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