Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Hydrologic Technicians
SOC: 19-4044 O*NET: 19-4044.00
Median Salary
$58,570
per year
Job Growth
📉 -2.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
What does a Hydrologic Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,330
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,450
25th percentile
Median
$58,570
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,790
75th percentile
Top Earners
$94,310
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,330
25th
$47,450
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,570
Mean: $64,410
75th
$79,790
90th
$94,310
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $53,980 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,450 and $79,790
- •Salary spread is 55.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 2,940 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:3,100
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services16.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services16.3%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services8.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-2.1%
Annual Openings:400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)3,100
Current
2034 (Projected)3,000
-2.1%
-100
Employment Change
-2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Hydrologic Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 29 locations
California
400 jobs$63,9001.15x
Texas
220 jobs$53,2500.84x
Florida
160 jobs$52,2100.86x
Colorado
130 jobs$54,5002.29x
North Carolina
110 jobs$51,7101.17x
Pennsylvania
100 jobs$65,9600.87x
Oregon
90 jobs$58,3902.40x
Idaho
90 jobs$56,9005.39x
Washington
80 jobs$81,3801.13x
Maryland
80 jobs$61,7201.53x
Ohio
70 jobs$48,0400.70x
New Hampshire
60 jobs$77,1404.58x
Georgia
60 jobs$63,3600.65x
Wisconsin
60 jobs$49,0001.16x
New York
50 jobs$58,5700.29x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Hydrologic Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASP
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
ESRI ArcGIS software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (4)General Responsibilities (8)Operations & Execution (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Hydrologic Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Hydrologic Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hydrologic Technicians
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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