Hydrologists
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.
Also called: Groundwater Consultant · Hydrogeologist · Hydrologist · Physical Scientist · Research Hydrologist · Scientist
Median pay (national)
$92,060
$60,010–$139,420 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
5,720
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.1%
~500 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for hydrologists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $139,420 versus $60,010 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $92,060 leaves roughly 51% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.1% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 34 states with released data, Maryland pays the most for this role (median $134,410, +46% vs the national median), while South Carolina sits lowest at $61,240 — a 119% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Science
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
- Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
- Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
Tools & technology
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- HEC-HMS
- HEC-RAS
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- R
- RockWare MODFLOW
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Visual Basic
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Biology