Hydrologists
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.
Also called: Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Isotope Hydrologist, Project Hydrogeologist, Research Hydrologic Engineer, Research Hydrologist
Median pay
$96,600
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$64,020 – $153,130
People employed
5,850
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
Hydrologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What hydrologists do
- 01Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- 02Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- 03Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- 04Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- 05Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- 06Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Chemistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from hydrologists
- Water Resource Specialists90% · group pay
- Environmental Engineers84% · +11%
- Water/Wastewater Engineers81% · group pay
- Petroleum Engineers80% · +50%
- Conservation Scientists79% · −24%
Change into hydrologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Water Resource Specialists90% · $167,220
- Geodetic Surveyors86% · $75,440
- Conservation Scientists85% · $73,010
- Soil and Plant Scientists85% · $78,850
- Environmental Engineers81% · $107,110
Majors that lead here
- Earth Systems Science
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geology/Earth Science, General
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.