Hydrologic Technicians
SOC code 19-4044 · O*NET-SOC 19-4044.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering
Hydrologic Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$64,790
a year
Hourly
$31.15
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$69,530
$33.43 per hour
Middle 50%
$52,040 – $84,680
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$44,950 – $100,480
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,840
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $44,950
- $21.61/hr
- 25th percentile
- $52,040
- $25.02/hr
- Median percentile
- $64,790
- $31.15/hr
- 75th percentile
- $84,680
- $40.71/hr
- 90th percentile
- $100,480
- $48.31/hr
What does a hydrologic technician do?
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
- Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
- Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
- Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
How to become a hydrologic technician
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a hydrologic technician earn?
The national median is $64,790 a year. The full range runs from $44,950 at the 10th percentile to $100,480 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a hydrologic technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.