How to become a Hydrologist
Monitors, measures, analyses, models, describes and quantifies the Earth's underground and surface water systems, and their interactions with the water cycle, including human use and management of water resources.
Main tasks
- Collects, analyses and interprets groundwater or surface water data
- Studies the distribution, and physical and chemical properties of surface water and groundwater
- Identifies the location of groundwater reservoirs and other water bodies, and assists in their exploration
- Studies the quality of water, and develops methods to ensure water is safe for human consumption or other applications
- Assists in the planning and development of water supply to urban areas
- Uses models to predict the impact of human activities such as mining and construction on groundwater and surface water, and advises on the avoidance or mitigation of those impacts
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS50222)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $151,528 a year
- About 14,000 people work in this job group now, and about 16,300 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Hydrologist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology.
How much does a Hydrologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $151,528 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Hydrologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 14,000 to about 16,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Hydrologist?
Usually. 97% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Hydrologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04