Life, Physical & Social Science
Hydrologists
Also called: Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Research Hydrologic Engineer, Research Hydrologist
US median pay
$96,600
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.5%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
400
6,300 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- 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.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
- Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Systems Analysis3.5/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Persuasion3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Physics4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Chemistry3.6/5
- Geography3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.