Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Water Resource Specialists
SOC: 11-9121 O*NET: 11-9121.02
Median Salary
$161,180
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
8.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
What does a Water Resource Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$79,830
10th percentile
Early Career
$114,110
25th percentile
Median
$161,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$214,820
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$79,830
25th
$114,110
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$161,180
Mean: $173,500
75th
$214,820
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans -$79,830 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $114,110 and $214,820
- •Salary spread is 62.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 100,870 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:104,300
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services49.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services49.3%
Scientific Research and Development Services41.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.7%
Annual Openings:8,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)104,300
Current
2034 (Projected)108,200
+3.7%
+3,900
Employment Change
+3.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Water Resource Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
14,120 jobs$204,1001.20x
New Jersey
9,010 jobs$202,3103.24x
Massachusetts
8,880 jobs$218,8003.73x
Texas
7,480 jobs$130,1400.83x
North Carolina
6,750 jobs$167,4302.11x
Pennsylvania
6,730 jobs$136,7001.71x
Maryland
5,020 jobs$162,6102.80x
New York
4,580 jobs$131,1800.73x
Florida
4,330 jobs$100,6400.67x
Illinois
3,100 jobs$158,6900.78x
Washington
3,070 jobs$178,2701.32x
Michigan
1,700 jobs$135,1800.59x
District of Columbia
1,650 jobs$164,6503.56x
Georgia
1,610 jobs$116,5600.51x
Colorado
1,480 jobs$143,1500.78x
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
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Engineering and Technology
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Speaking
94%
#5
Mathematics
94%
#6
Oral Comprehension
92%
#7
Active Listening
86%
#8
Design
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Physics
80%
Skills Overview
Engineering and Technology
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Mathematics
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Design
intermediate4.3
86%
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:
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Mathematics
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Design
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Physics
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Water/Wastewater Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Regulatory Affairs Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Design
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →English Language
- →Geography
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Design
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mathematics
- ★Design
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 Water Resource Specialists
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
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Oracle Database
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Adobe Photoshop
📚 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
MOSTLY 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 mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (9)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)General Responsibilities (3)
1
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Prepare project proposals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development 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 Water Resource Specialists
💡 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?
Water Resource Specialists 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 Water Resource Specialists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.62
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.45
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.27
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.18
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.05
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.00
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Initiative
4.0
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Persistence
3.8
Cooperation
3.8
Independence
3.7
Self-Control
3.7
💡 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 or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Water Resource Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Water Resource Specialists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.8k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.6k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.3k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
978 program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
897 program completions/year