Hydrologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Hydrologists often need to collect samples in the field.

Quick Facts: Hydrologists
2010 Median Pay	$75,690 per year $36.39 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Master’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	7,600
Job Outlook, 2010-20	18% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	1,400

What Hydrologists Do

Hydrologists study water and the water cycle. They use their expertise to solve problems in the areas of water quality or availability.

Work Environment

Hydrologists work in the field and in offices and laboratories.

How to Become a Hydrologist

For most jobs, hydrologists need a master’s degree with a background in the natural sciences. Hydrologists may need a license in some states.

Pay

The median annual wage of hydrologists was $75,690 in May 2010.

Employment of hydrologists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth and environmental concerns are expected to increase demand for hydrologists.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of hydrologists with similar occupations.

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What Hydrologists Do About this section

Hydrologists use laptop computers and other equipment to analyze samples and record the results in the field.

Hydrologists study water and the water cycle. They study the movement, distribution, and other properties of water, and they analyze how these influence the surrounding environment. They use their expertise to solve problems concerning water quality and availability, for example.

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 levels of pollution
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, erosion, and other problems
Research ways to improve water conservation and preservation
Use computer models to forecast future water supplies, the spread of pollution, and other events
Evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and waste treatment facilities
Prepare written reports and presentations of their findings

Hydrologists use remote sensing equipment to collect data. They or technicians whom they supervise usually install and maintain this equipment.

They also use sophisticated computer programs to analyze and model data. They use sophisticated laboratory equipment to analyze chemical samples collected in the field.

Hydrologists work closely with engineers, scientists, and public officials to study and manage the water supply. For example, they work with policy makers to develop water conservation plans and with biologists to monitor marine wildlife.

Most hydrologists specialize in a specific water source or a certain aspect of the water cycle, such as the evaporation of water from lakes and streams. Some of the most common specialties are:

Groundwater hydrologists study the water below the Earth’s surface. They decide the best locations for wells and the amount of water that should be pumped. They are often consulted about the best places to build waste disposal sites to ensure that the waste does not contaminate the groundwater.

Hydrometeorologists study the relationship between surface waters and water in the atmosphere. For example, to predict and prepare for droughts, they study how much rain or snow a particular area gets and how that evaporates.

Surface water hydrologists study water from above ground sources such as streams, lakes, and snow packs. They may predict future water levels and usage to help reservoir managers decide when to release or store water. They also produce flood forecasts and help develop flood management plans.

Some people with a hydrology background become professors or teachers. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment About this section

Hydrologists help determine where dams should be built.

Hydrologists held about 7,600 jobs in 2010. Industries employing the largest numbers of hydrologists in 2010 were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	30%
Architectural, engineering, and related services	22
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	19
State government, excluding education and hospitals	14
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	6

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

Work Schedules

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

How to Become a Hydrologist About this section

Hydrologists ensure that water processed at filtration plants is safe.

For most jobs, hydrologists need a master’s degree with a focus in the natural sciences. Hydrologists may need a license in some states.

Education

Most hydrologists need a master’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree is adequate for some entry-level positions. Applicants for advanced research and university faculty positions typically need a Ph.D.

Few universities offer degrees in hydrology; instead, most universities offer hydrology concentrations in their geosciences, environmental science, or engineering programs. Students interested in becoming a hydrologist need extensive coursework in math, statistics, and physical, computer, and life sciences.

Students who have experience with computer modeling, data analysis, and digital mapping will be the most prepared to enter the job market. Also, hydrologists use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning system (GPS) equipment to do their jobs.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Hydrologists need to analyze data collected in the field and then examine the results of laboratory testing in their research.

Critical-thinking skills. Hydrologists assess risks posed to the water supply by pollution, floods, and other threats. They develop water management plans to handle these threats.

Interpersonal skills. Most hydrologists work as part of a diverse team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists.

Speaking skills. Hydrologists often have to present their findings in an understandable way to people who do not have a technical background, such as government officials or the general public.

Stamina. When they are in the field, hydrologists may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.

Writing skills. Hydrologists prepare detailed reports documenting their research methods and findings.

Licenses

In some states, hydrologists need a license to practice. Requirements vary by state, but they typically include minimum education and experience requirements and passing an exam.

Pay About this section

Hydrologists

Median annual wages, May 2010

Hydrologists: $75,690
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations: $58,530
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of hydrologists was $75,690 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,280, and the top 10 percent more than $112,490.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of hydrologists in May 2010 were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	$84,540
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	77,850
Architectural, engineering, and related services	77,750
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	68,600
State government, excluding education and hospitals	61,830

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

Job Outlook About this section

Hydrologists

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Hydrologists: 18%
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations: 16%
Total, All Occupations: 14%

Employment of hydrologists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth and environmental concerns, especially global climate change, are expected to increase demand for hydrologists in the future.

As the population grows, a greater strain will be placed on the nation’s water resources. More hydrologists will be needed to help develop plans to meet increased demand while preserving water supplies for future generations. For example, as the population expands into places that were not previously inhabited, hydrologists will be needed to examine the risk of flooding and to assess the availability of water for new communities.

More hydrologists will be needed to assess the threats that global climate change poses to local, state, and national water supplies. For example, changes in climate affect the severity and frequency of droughts and floods. Hydrologists will be needed to develop comprehensive water management plans that address these and other problems linked to global climate change.

Job Prospects

Hydrologists with computer modeling experience are expected to have the best opportunities in the future.

Employment projections data for hydrologists, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Hydrologists	19-2043	7,600	9,000	18	1,400	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

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

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists	Atmospheric scientists study weather, climate, and other aspects of the atmosphere. They develop reports and forecasts from their analysis of weather and climate data.	Bachelor’s degree	$87,780
Civil Engineers	Civil engineers design and supervise large construction projects, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.	Bachelor’s degree	$77,560
Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and control of water and air pollution.	Bachelor’s degree	$78,740
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	Environmental science and protection technicians do laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those affecting health. Many work under the supervision of environmental scientists and specialists, who direct their work and evaluate their results.	Associate’s degree	$41,380
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.	Bachelor’s degree	$61,700
Geoscientists	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.	Bachelor’s degree	$82,500
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.	Doctoral or professional degree	$62,050