Hydrologists Salary in California
Hydrologists in California earn a median of $122,110 a year, +26% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $122,110
- vs. U.S. median
- +26% ($96,600)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 34
- Jobs in the state
- 540
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $76,110; the top 10% earn over $181,360. Nationally the range is $64,020 to $153,130.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$106,500 median in California
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$124,920 median in California
- Soil and Plant Scientists$91,930 median in California
- Water Resource Specialists$210,230 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Materials Scientists$177,030 median in California
- Industrial Ecologists$106,510 median in California (broader BLS group)
Hydrologists pay in California
How much do hydrologists make in California?
The median is $122,110 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $76,110 and the top 10% earn over $181,360. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for hydrologists?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 34 (+26% vs. the national median of $96,600). Living costs are not included.