CFChooseField
Science

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Hydrologists
Download graphic

Median pay

$92,060
Median annual pay for Hydrologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

-0.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

6,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Hydrologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Hydrologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Science
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Physics
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Geography
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Written Expression
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Innovation
  6. 6Cautiousness

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Python · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandESRI ArcGIS software · in demandR · in demandGeographic information system GIS systems · in demandHEC-RAS · in demandRockWare MODFLOW · in demandHEC-HMS · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.