2021 Hydrologists Salary Guide

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.

Hydrologists Salary

Search by Location

Salary

$84K

Growth

Bright Outlook

Bright

Green

Hydrologists Job Description

Also known as:

Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Physical Scientist, Research Hydrologist, Scientist, Source Water Protection Specialist

How Much Do Hydrologists Make ? 2021

Percentile	10%	25%	50% (Median)	75%	90%
Annual Wage	$52,900	$65,080	$84,040	$106,620	$130,030
Hourly Wage	$25.44	$31.29	$40.41	$51.26	$62.52

How Much Do Hydrologists Make ? 2021

Percentile

10%

25%

50% (Median)

75%

90%

Annual Wage

$52,900

$65,080

$84,040

$106,620

$130,030

Hourly Wage

$25.44

$31.29

$40.41

$51.26

$62.52

Hydrologists Tasks

Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
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.
Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

What Activities Do Hydrologists Do?

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Plan environmental research.
Research hydrologic features or processes.
Measure environmental characteristics.
Record research or operational data.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Communicate results of environmental research.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Analyze environmental data.
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
Research hydrologic features or processes.
Record research or operational data.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
Research hydrologic features or processes.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Assess compliance with environmental laws.
Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
Develop environmental research methods.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
Direct natural resources extraction projects.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Research hydrologic features or processes.
Conduct climatological research.
Direct natural resources extraction projects.
Compile geographic or related data.
Analyze geological or geographical data.

Typical Hydrologists Knowledge?

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

What Are Typical Hydrologists Abilities?

Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.

What Are Typical Hydrologists Skills? 2021

Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.

What Are Typical Hydrologists Interests?

Investigative - Occupations with Investigative interests frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They often involve research and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic - Occupations with Realistic interests frequently involve practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

What Is The Projected Employment For Hydrologists ? 2021

Location	2019 Employment	2029 Employment	Percent change	Annual projected job openings
United States	7,000	7,300	5%	700

What Is The Projected Employment For Hydrologists ? 2021

Location

2019 Employment

2029 Employment

Percent change

Annual projected job openings

United States

7,000

7,300

700

What Is The Required Hydrologists Education & Experience? 2021

Bachelor's degree
No work experience
No on-the-job training

Hydrologists Schools ?

School	Program Name	Location	Length / Graduates
Adams State University	Geology/Earth Science, General	Alamosa, CO	4 years: 1 4 years: 5
Adrian College	Geology/Earth Science, General	Adrian, MI	4 years: 1 4 years: 5
Alaska Pacific University	Geology/Earth Science, General	Anchorage, AK	4 years: 0
Albion College	Geology/Earth Science, General	Albion, MI	4 years: 3
Alfred University	Geology/Earth Science, General	Alfred, NY	4 years: 2
Allegheny College	Geology/Earth Science, General	Meadville, PA	4 years: 4
American River College	Geology/Earth Science, General	Sacramento, CA	2 years: 1
Amherst College	Geology/Earth Science, General	Amherst, MA	4 years: 2
Angelo State University	Geology/Earth Science, General	San Angelo, TX	4 years: 13
Appalachian State University	Geology/Earth Science, General	Boone, NC	4 years: 1 4 years: 31

Hydrologists Schools ?

500 United States

School

Program Name

Location

Length / Graduates

Adams State University