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
$92,060
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.5
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
$60,010
10th percentile
Early Career
$73,330
25th percentile
Median
$92,060
50th percentile
Experienced
$114,940
75th percentile
Top Earners
$139,420
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$60,010
25th
$73,330
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$92,060
Mean: $98,130
75th
$114,940
90th
$139,420
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $79,410 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $73,330 and $114,940
- •Salary spread is 45.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 5,720 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:6,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.2%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services15%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.1%
Annual Openings:500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)6,300
Current
2034 (Projected)6,300
-0.1%
0
Employment Change
-0.1%
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 36 locations
California
670 jobs$118,9601.00x
Arizona
320 jobs$76,4202.67x
Minnesota
300 jobs$90,5002.76x
Oregon
280 jobs$92,7503.83x
Colorado
270 jobs$116,0002.53x
Washington
270 jobs$100,0002.02x
Ohio
260 jobs$93,5201.28x
Texas
250 jobs$76,3600.49x
Florida
250 jobs$71,2900.67x
Pennsylvania
230 jobs$94,3101.02x
Nevada
180 jobs$97,4303.10x
New York
180 jobs$84,3200.50x
Montana
170 jobs$80,6908.96x
Wisconsin
170 jobs$76,4601.56x
Idaho
170 jobs$74,9605.31x
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 skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Science
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Mathematics
60%
#8
Writing
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Mathematics
intermediate3.0
60%
Writing
basic2.7
54%
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:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Writing
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Speaking
- →Writing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Science
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Science
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
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
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