### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hydrologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			hydrologists imageHydrologists work closely with engineers, scientists, and public officials to study and manage the water supply.							
						Quick Facts:     Hydrologists2023     Median Pay
            						$88,770     per year
										$42.68     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    6,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    100What Hydrologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. In offices, hydrologists spend much of their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings. In the field, hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to read and inspect monitoring equipment.
            
                                                How to Become a Hydrologist
                                                
                        
Hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs; however, 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 show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 500 openings for hydrologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most 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 
            

			HydrologistsHydrologists collect water samples in the field.			
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. They study how rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation impact river flows or groundwater levels, and how surface water and groundwater evaporate back into the atmosphere or eventually reach the oceans. Hydrologists analyze how water influences the surrounding environment and how changes to the environment influence the quality and quantity of water. They use their expertise to solve problems concerning water quality and availability.
Duties
Hydrologists typically do the following:
Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as volume and stream flow
Collect water and soil samples to test for certain properties, such as the pH or pollution levels
Analyze data on the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, drought, and other problems
Research ways to minimize the negative impacts of erosion, sedimentation, or pollution on the environment
Use computer models to forecast future 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
Prepare written reports and presentations of their findingsHydrologists may use remote sensing equipment to collect data. They, or technicians whom they supervise, usually install and maintain this equipment. Hydrologists also use sophisticated computer programs to analyze the data collected. Computer models are often developed by hydrologists to help them understand complex datasets.
Hydrologists work closely with engineers, scientists, and public officials to study and manage the water supply. For example, they work with policymakers to develop water conservation plans and with biologists to monitor wildlife in order to allow for their water needs.
Most hydrologists specialize in a particular water source or a certain aspect of the water cycle, such as the evaporation of water from lakes and streams. The following are examples of types of hydrologists:
***Groundwater* *hydrologists*** study the water below the Earth’s surface. Some groundwater hydrologists focus on water supply and decide the best locations for wells and the amount of water available for pumping. Other groundwater hydrologists focus on the cleanup of groundwater contaminated by spilled chemicals at a factory, an airport, or a gas station. These hydrologists often give advice about the best places to build waste disposal sites to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated.
***Surface water* *hydrologists*** study water from aboveground sources such as streams, lakes, and snowpacks. They may predict future water levels by tracking usage and precipitation data to help reservoir managers decide when to release or store water. They also produce flood forecasts and help develop flood management plans.
Work done by hydrologists can sometimes include topics typically associated with atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Scientists with an education in hydrology and a concentration in water quality are environmental scientists and specialists. Some people with a hydrology background become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.
 Work Environment
			HydrologistsHydrologists solve problems concerning water quality and availability.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Hydrologists held about 6,600 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of hydrologists were as follows:
        Federal government, excluding postal service
                27%Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
                22State government, excluding education and hospitals
                21Engineering services
                14Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                9Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. In offices, hydrologists spend much their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings. In the field, hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to read and inspect monitoring equipment. Hydrologists also need to write reports detailing the status of surface water and groundwater in specific regions. Many jobs require significant travel. Jobs in the private sector may require international travel.
Work Schedules
Most hydrologists work full time. However, the length of daily shifts may vary when hydrologists work in the field.
 How to Become a Hydrologist

			HydrologistsHydrologists may be involved in ensuring waste water and other waste disposal sites do not leak contaminates into the groundwater.			
Hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs; however, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.
Education
Hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in physical science or a related field, such as natural resources. Employers sometimes prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree. Hydrologists conducting research or teaching at the postsecondary level typically need a Ph.D.
Few universities offer undergraduate degrees in hydrology; instead, universities may offer hydrology concentrations in their geosciences, engineering, or earth science programs. Coursework requirements may include math, statistics, and life sciences.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Hydrologists need to analyze 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 people who do not have a technical background, such as government officials or the general 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.*** Most hydrologists work as part of a diverse team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.
***Physical stamina.*** When they are in the field, hydrologists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                HydrologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Physical scientists$89,350  Hydrologists$88,770  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
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
                $104,320Federal government, excluding postal service
                97,340Engineering services
                90,000Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                87,670State government, excluding education and hospitals
                75,150Most hydrologists work full time. However, the length of daily shifts may vary when hydrologists work in the field.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                HydrologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physical scientists5%  Total, all occupations3%  Hydrologists1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of hydrologists is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 500 openings for hydrologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most 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, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Hydrologists**
			19-2043
			6,600
			6,700
			1
			100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **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 OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Hydrologists **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.com. 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 This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of hydrologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists**
            Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,860**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 manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
            Bachelor's degree
            $68,300**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 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 use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**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 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 design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,640
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about hydrology and the work of hydrologists in the federal government, visit
U.S. Geological Survey
For information on federal government requirements for hydrology positions, visit
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
To find job openings for hydrologists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
For more information about careers in hydrology, visit
American Geophysical Union
American Geosciences Institute
American Institute of Hydrology
American Water Resources Association
For information from universities about research in the water sciences, visit
Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, INC. (CUAHSI)
For informal education and training in hydrology and other geoscience topics, visit
MetEd

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    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 *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
PSB Suite 2135 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE  
Washington, DC 20212-0001 Telephone:1-202-691-5700 

www.bls.gov/ooh
Contact OOH