Science
Hydrologist
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.
Median pay
$96,600
Growth to 2035
+2%
little or no change
Openings a year
400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Hydrologist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Hydrologist: 32% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Groundwater Consultant · Hydrogeologist · Research Hydrologic Engineer · Research Hydrologist · Source Water Protection Specialist
Outlook and AI
Hydrologists held 6,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 6,400 by 2035 (+2%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Hydrologist vs. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
- Hydrologist vs. Hydrologic technician
- Hydrologist vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Hydrologist vs. Natural sciences manager
- Hydrologist vs. Conservation scientist
- Hydrologist vs. Civil engineer
- Hydrologist vs. Soil and plant scientists
- Hydrologist vs. Environmental engineer