Hydrologists
SOC Code: 19-2043Also known as:
Groundwater Consultant, Hydraulic Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologic Engineer, Hydrologist
Median Annual Salary
$92,060
-0.1% growth (2024-2034)
500
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Hydrologists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$92,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.1%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
500
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
6,300
Projected Employment (2034)
6,300
Related Careers
Natural sciences managers
$161,180 •
+3.7% growth
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
$99,240 •
+3.2% growth
Hydrologic technicians
$58,570 •
-2.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Science
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Hydrologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a hydrologists:
Geology/Earth Science, General
5,715 degrees awarded •
435 colleges offer this program
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
569 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Hydrology and Water Resources Science
220 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Environmental Geosciences
96 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Earth Systems Science
43 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Hydrologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become hydrologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hydrologists make?
The median annual salary for hydrologists is $92,060.
What education do hydrologists need?
Most hydrologists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Geology/Earth Science, General, Oceanography, Chemical and Physical, Hydrology and Water Resources Science.
Is becoming hydrologists a good career choice?
Hydrologists is projected to see -0.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for hydrologists?
Top colleges for aspiring hydrologists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to hydrologists?
Hydrologists may also be known as: Groundwater Consultant, Hydraulic Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologic Engineer, Hydrologist, Isotope Hydrologist, Physical Scientist, Project Hydrogeologist, Research Hydrologist, Scientist, Seismologist, Source Water Protection Specialist, Surface Hydrologist, Volcanologist, Water Resources Scientist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.