Hydrologists
Hydrologists study water in all its forms—groundwater, surface water, precipitation, and their movement through soil and rock. They research how water circulates between the earth and atmosphere, examining its physical properties and flow patterns. Most work for government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydrologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A hydrologist might spend mornings analyzing water samples and groundwater data in a laboratory, then travel to field sites to install monitoring equipment or collect samples from wells and streams. Later in the week, time goes to modeling water movement through soil using computer software, interpreting precipitation records, or writing reports for clients on contamination risks or water availability for a region.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to investigative work that involves solving puzzles about natural systems through observation and analysis. You prefer hands-on, practical problem-solving that combines outdoor fieldwork with technical research and data interpretation.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Post Doctorate Research Associate- Water Resource Engineer/Hydrologist · Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $72,633–$72,633
- Supervisory Hydrologist · Geological Survey · Multiple Locations · $147945–$197200
- HYDROLOGIST · Geological Survey · Reston, Virginia · $102415–$158322
- Hydrologist (Water Resource Coordinator) · Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs · Multiple Locations · $106437–$150852
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $113,800 | $143,010 | $175,780 | 90 |
| Virginia | $80,520 | $132,080 | $136,660 | 40 |
| New Jersey | $109,990 | $126,680 | $148,380 | — |
| California | $93,640 | $122,110 | $142,500 | 540 |
| Georgia | $103,080 | $121,830 | $133,720 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | $106,160 | $119,350 | $132,480 | 50 |
| Missouri | $105,060 | $116,100 | $117,080 | 50 |
| Alaska | $87,330 | $108,660 | $126,920 | 60 |
| Nevada | $89,270 | $107,930 | $134,640 | 170 |
| Washington | $88,630 | $105,600 | $153,960 | 350 |
| Louisiana | $80,920 | $104,520 | $121,730 | — |
| Michigan | $89,690 | $101,060 | $127,070 | 40 |
All 34 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional Hydrologist (PH) — American Institute of Hydrology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydrologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-2043.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.