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Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd3MvZEdQi4.
Quick Facts: Hydrologists
2023 Median Pay $88,770 per year
$42.68 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2023 6,500
Job Outlook, 2023-33 3% (As fast as average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 200

What Hydrologists Do

Hydrologists study water and how it moves across and through the Earth’s crust.

Work Environment

Hydrologists typically work in an office setting and in the field. They may need to travel to lakes, streams, and other locations and work outdoors in all types of weather. Most hydrologists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week.

How to Become a Hydrologist

To enter the occupation, hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.

Pay

The median annual wage for hydrologists was $88,770 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 500 openings for hydrologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for hydrologists.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hydrologists with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about hydrologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Hydrologists Do About this section

Hydrologists
Hydrologists collect water samples in the field.

Hydrologists study water and how it moves across and through the Earth’s crust. They research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of surface water and groundwater. They also study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of evaporation into the atmosphere, infiltration into soil, or return to the ocean.

Duties

Hydrologists typically do the following:

  • Measure streamflow, volume, and other water-cycle elements of bodies of water
  • Collect water and soil samples to test for specific properties, such as the pH or pollution levels
  • Analyze data on the impacts of pollution, erosion, drought, and other environmental problems
  • Research ways to minimize negative impacts of environmental problems on people and ecosystems
  • Forecast water supplies, the spread of pollution, floods, and other events
  • Evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities
  • Write reports and present their findings

Hydrologists study water distribution, movement, and quality above and below the Earth. Their insights and expertise help with managing resources and addressing environmental issues that involve water.

Hydrologists use a variety of equipment and techniques to collect and analyze data. For example, they may use light detection and ranging (LiDAR) or sound navigation and ranging (sonar) systems to gather data for mapping bodies of water. They also use computer modeling programs to predict water conditions and analyze complex datasets.

Working with engineers, scientists, and public officials, hydrologists help to manage the water supply in a variety of ways. For example, some groundwater hydrologists recommend locations for wells and the amount of water available for pumping; others focus on the cleanup of groundwater contaminated by spilled chemicals. Surface water hydrologists may analyze precipitation data to predict water levels of aboveground sources such as lakes, streams, and snowpacks, helping reservoir managers decide when to release or store water.

Work Environment About this section

Hydrologists
Hydrologists may need to travel to a variety of locations to conduct fieldwork.

Hydrologists held about 6,500 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of hydrologists were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service 27%
State government, excluding education and hospitals 23
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 18
Engineering services 13
Local government, excluding education and hospitals 10

Hydrologists typically work in an office setting and in the field. They may need to travel to lakes, streams, and other locations, sometimes including international destinations. In addition, fieldwork may involve working outdoors in all types of weather.

Work Schedules

Most hydrologists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week, especially when they are in the field.

How to Become a Hydrologist About this section

Hydrologists
Student interns may do hydrology fieldwork to gain hands-on experience.

To enter the occupation, hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, or a related field. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.

Education

Hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in a physical science field, such as geology or hydrology. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.

Environmental science, geosciences, or other natural or physical science programs usually include coursework in math, statistics, and sciences. Students also may choose to participate in internships while in school to gain hands-on experience before entering the job market.

States that require geologists to be licensed may encourage hydrologists to pursue licensing as well.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Hydrologists need to evaluate data collected in the field and examine the results of laboratory tests.

Communication skills. Hydrologists prepare detailed reports that document their research methods and findings. They may have to present their findings to audiences who do not have a technical background, such as government officials or the public.

Critical-thinking skills. Hydrologists develop and use models to assess the potential risks to the water supply by pollution, floods, droughts, and other threats. They develop water management plans to handle these threats.

Interpersonal skills. Hydrologists must be able to collaborate as part of a team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.

Physical stamina. Hydrologists working in the field may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.

Problem-solving skills. Hydrologists use their knowledge to find solutions to issues affecting water quality and availability.

Pay About this section

Hydrologists

Median annual wages, May 2023

Physical scientists

$89,350

Hydrologists

$88,770

Total, all occupations

$48,060

 

The median annual wage for hydrologists was $88,770 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $141,790.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for hydrologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Management, scientific, and technical consulting services $104,320
Federal government, excluding postal service 97,340
Engineering services 90,000
Local government, excluding education and hospitals 87,670
State government, excluding education and hospitals 75,150

Most hydrologists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week, especially when they are in the field.

Job Outlook About this section

Hydrologists

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Physical scientists

6%

Total, all occupations

4%

Hydrologists

3%

 

Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 500 openings for hydrologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for the services of hydrologists will stem from ongoing human activities such as mining, construction, and hydraulic fracturing. Environmental concerns, especially global climate change that may contribute to flooding and drought, are likely to increase demand for these scientists. Hydrologists will be needed to assess threats to local, state, and national water supplies and to develop comprehensive water management plans. However, the development and use of integrated technology and review systems may limit the need for some hydrologists.

Population expansion into areas that were previously uninhabited also may increase the risk of flooding, and new communities may encounter water availability issues. Although governments value hydrologists' expertise in finding sustainable solutions to managing water resources, budget constraints will limit hiring and impact growth.

Employment projections data for hydrologists, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Hydrologists

19-2043 6,500 6,700 3 200 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of hydrologists.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists

Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.

Bachelor's degree $92,860
Civil engineers Civil Engineers

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects.

Bachelor's degree $95,890
Conservation scientists and foresters Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Bachelor's degree $68,300
Environmental engineers Environmental Engineers

Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.

Bachelor's degree $100,090
Environmental science and protection technicians Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.

Associate's degree $50,660
Environmental scientists and specialists Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

Bachelor's degree $78,980
Geoscientists Geoscientists

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.

Bachelor's degree $92,580
Agricultural engineers Agricultural Engineers

Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.

Bachelor's degree $88,750
Geological and petroleum technicians Geological and Hydrologic Technicians

Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.

Associate's degree $53,440
Mining and geological engineers Mining and Geological Engineers

Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.

Bachelor's degree $100,640

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about hydrology and the work of hydrologists in the federal government, visit

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

For information on federal government requirements for hydrology positions, visit

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

To find job openings for hydrologists in the federal government, visit

USAJOBS

For more information about careers in hydrology, visit

American Geophysical Union (AGU)

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)

American Institute of Hydrology (AIH)

American Water Resources Association (AWRA)

O*NET

Hydrologists

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Hydrologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/hydrologists.htm (visited November 17, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.