Physical Scientists

How to become a Hydrologist

Official title: Hydrologists

Also called: Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Research Hydrologic Engineer, Research Hydrologist, Source Water Protection Specialist

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.

Main tasks

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.

How to become one

To enter the occupation, hydrologists typically need a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $96,600 a year The middle half earn $77,210 to $122,830.
About 6,300 people work in this job now, and about 6,400 are projected by 2035. (+1.5%)
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Hydrologist?

To enter the occupation, hydrologists typically need a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree.

How much does a Hydrologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $96,600 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $77,210 to $122,830.

Is a Hydrologist a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 6,300 people now and 6,400 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Hydrologist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Hydrologist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.