Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Hydrologists
SOC: 19-2043 O*NET: 19-2043.00
Median Salary
$96,600
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
What does a Hydrologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$64,020
10th percentile
Early Career
$77,210
25th percentile
Median
$96,600
50th percentile
Experienced
$122,830
75th percentile
Top Earners
$153,130
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$64,020
25th
$77,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$96,600
Mean: $103,600
75th
$122,830
90th
$153,130
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $89,110 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $77,210 and $122,830
- •Salary spread is 47.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 5,850 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:6,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.4%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services19.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.5%
Annual Openings:400
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)6,300
Current
2035 (Projected)6,400
+1.5%
+100
Employment Change
+1.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Hydrologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 35 locations
California
540 jobs$122,1100.79x
Arizona
400 jobs$86,7003.28x
Ohio
390 jobs$98,2001.89x
Colorado
360 jobs$100,8403.37x
Washington
350 jobs$105,6002.62x
Minnesota
300 jobs$94,5802.70x
Oregon
300 jobs$93,6904.06x
Florida
280 jobs$76,8500.74x
Texas
220 jobs$81,0800.42x
Montana
190 jobs$84,5009.79x
Nevada
170 jobs$107,9302.94x
Pennsylvania
160 jobs$91,7300.70x
New York
160 jobs$88,1000.44x
Idaho
160 jobs$78,8504.88x
Tennessee
150 jobs$01.18x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mathematics
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Science
94%
#5
Physics
92%
#6
Written Expression
92%
#7
Active Listening
86%
#8
Engineering and Technology
82%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Reading Comprehension
80%
Skills Overview
Mathematics
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced4.7
94%
Physics
advanced4.6
92%
Written Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Engineering and Technology
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mathematics
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Physics
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Written Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance82%
knowledge
4.1/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Atmospheric and Space Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Statisticians100%
5 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers100%
5 shared skills
Materials Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Materials Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Mathematicians100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Physics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Speaking
- →Writing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Physics
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Mathematics
- ★Physics
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Hydrologists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Bentley MicroStation
📚 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (8)Communication & Coordination (2)Analysis & Evaluation (4)General Responsibilities (6)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination97% perform98%
3
Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% 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 Hydrologists
💡 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?
Hydrologists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hydrologists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.57
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.52
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.35
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.26
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.09
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.04
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Initiative
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Persistence
3.9
Innovation
3.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
💡 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
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Hydrologists.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Hydrologists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
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College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
744 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
677 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
605 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
539 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
524 program completions/year
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
512 program completions/year
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
507 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
498 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
496 program completions/year
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA
494 program completions/year