Hydrologists

What Hydrologists Do

Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd3MvZEdQi4

Work Environment

Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. In offices, hydrologists spend much of their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings. In the field, hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to read and inspect monitoring equipment.

How to Become a Hydrologist

Hydrologists need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; however, some workers begin their careers with a master’s degree.

Pay

The median annual wage for hydrologists was $81,270 in May 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Population growth and environmental concerns are expected to increase demand for hydrologists.

Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. They study how rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation impact river flows or groundwater levels, and how surface water and groundwater evaporate back into the atmosphere or eventually reach the oceans. Hydrologists analyze how water influences the surrounding environment and how changes to the environment influence the quality and quantity of water. They use their expertise to solve problems concerning water quality and availability.

Duties

Hydrologists typically do the following:

• Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as volume and stream flow
• Collect water and soil samples to test for certain properties, such as the pH or pollution levels
• Analyze data on the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, drought, and other problems
• Research ways to minimize the negative impacts of erosion, sedimentation, or pollution on the environment
• Use computer models to forecast future water supplies, the spread of pollution, floods, and other events
• Evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities
• Prepare written reports and presentations of their findings

Hydrologists may use remote sensing equipment to collect data. They, or technicians whom they supervise, usually install and maintain this equipment. Hydrologists also use sophisticated computer programs to analyze the data collected. Computer models are often developed by hydrologists to help them understand complex datasets.

Hydrologists work closely with engineers, scientists, and public officials to study and manage the water supply. For example, they work with policymakers to develop water conservation plans and with biologists to monitor wildlife in order to allow for their water needs.

Most hydrologists specialize in a particular water source or a certain aspect of the water cycle, such as the evaporation of water from lakes and streams. The following are examples of types of hydrologists:

Groundwater hydrologists study the water below the Earth’s surface. Some groundwater hydrologists focus on water supply and decide the best locations for wells and the amount of water available for pumping. Other groundwater hydrologists focus on the cleanup of groundwater contaminated by spilled chemicals at a factory, an airport, or a gas station. These hydrologists often give advice about the best places to build waste disposal sites to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated.

Surface water hydrologists study water from aboveground sources such as streams, lakes, and snowpacks. They may predict future water levels by tracking usage and precipitation data to help reservoir managers decide when to release or store water. They also produce flood forecasts and help develop flood management plans.

Work done by hydrologists can sometimes include topics typically associated with atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Scientists with an education in hydrology and a concentration in water quality are environmental scientists and specialists. Some people with a hydrology background become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.

Hydrologists held about 7,000 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of hydrologists were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	26%
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	22
State government, excluding education and hospitals	21
Engineering services	11
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	10

Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. In offices, hydrologists spend much their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings. In the field, hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to read and inspect monitoring equipment. Hydrologists also need to write reports detailing the status of surface water and groundwater in specific regions. Many jobs require significant travel. Jobs in the private sector may require international travel.

Work Schedules

Most hydrologists work full time. However, the length of daily shifts may vary when hydrologists work in the field.

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of hydrologists.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2019
	Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists	Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate.	Bachelor’s degree	$95,380
	Civil Engineers	Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems.	Bachelor’s degree	$87,060
	Conservation Scientists and Foresters	Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.	Bachelor’s degree	$62,410
	Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.	Bachelor’s degree	$88,860
	Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.	Associate’s degree	$46,540
	Environmental Scientists and Specialists	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.	Bachelor’s degree	$71,360
	Geoscientists	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.	Bachelor’s degree	$92,040
	Agricultural Engineers	Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.	Bachelor’s degree	$80,720
	Geological and Petroleum Technicians	Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources.	Associate’s degree	$51,130
	Mining and Geological Engineers	Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals for use in manufacturing and utilities.	Bachelor’s degree	$91,160

For more information about hydrology and the work of hydrologists in the federal government, visit

U.S. Geological Survey

For information on federal government requirements for hydrology positions, visit

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

To find job openings for hydrologists in the federal government, visit

USAJOBS

For more information about careers in hydrology, visit

American Geophysical Union

American Geosciences Institute

American Institute of Hydrology

American Water Resources Association

For information from universities about research in the water sciences, visit

Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, INC. (CUAHSI)

For informal education and training in hydrology and other geoscience topics, visit

MetEd

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Hydrologists