Hydrologist

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about water's role in our environment and its conservation.
Contribute to sustainable water management and protect vital natural resources.
Explore the fascinating journey of water from rainfall to ocean return.

💰 Earn $86K-$137K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 2.8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
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.
Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

500 Annually

Median Earnings

$112,350 in California

$88,770 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Hydrologist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years