Hydrologists
SOC code 19-2043 · O*NET-SOC 19-2043.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Hydrologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$96,600
a year
Hourly
$46.44
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$103,600
$49.81 per hour
Middle 50%
$77,210 – $122,830
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$64,020 – $153,130
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
5,850
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $64,020
- $30.78/hr
- 25th percentile
- $77,210
- $37.12/hr
- Median percentile
- $96,600
- $46.44/hr
- 75th percentile
- $122,830
- $59.06/hr
- 90th percentile
- $153,130
- $73.62/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
0%
Little or no change expected
6,300
jobs in 2024
6,300
projected for 2034
About 0 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a hydrologist 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- 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.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
How to become a hydrologist
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
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 hydrologist earn?
The national median is $96,600 a year. The full range runs from $64,020 at the 10th percentile to $153,130 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 hydrologist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is hydrologist in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 0% between 2024 and 2034 — little or no change expected. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Science3.9/5
- Writing3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Physics4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
- Chemistry3.6/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Geography3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.