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Science

Hydrologic technician

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.

Median pay

$64,790

Growth to 2035

−1%

little or no change

Openings a year

400

Time to qualify*

2.5 years

* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.

Pay

Hydrologic technician

$64,79010% earn under $44,950 · middle half $52,040–$84,680 · top 10% over $100,480
Bar: middle 50% of workers. Line: 10th to 90th percentile. Dot: median. BLS OEWS, May 2025, national.

Getting in

Typical entry education
Associate's degree
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Prior experience
None

Calculate your switch to hydrologic technician

What the work is like

Hydrologic technician

Dealing with the public

Rarely
Constantly

Time pressure

Rarely
Constantly

Freedom to make decisions

Little
A lot
Average worker ratings, 1 to 5. O*NET 31.0 work context survey.

Core tasks

Outlook and AI

Hydrologic technicians held 3,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 3,000 by 2035 (−1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).

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