Science
Hydrologists
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.
Median salary
$92,060
Typical range
$60k – $139k
Job outlook
See national outlook
AI exposure
Plan a path to Hydrologists
Education
Typical entry: Master's degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Hydrologists Intern
Internship
$36,000
~4 mos to advance
Junior Hydrologists
Entry / Junior
$60,010
~2 yrs to advance
Hydrologists
Established
$92,060
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Hydrologists
Senior
$115,740
Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Science
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- California Institute of Technology3% admit · $112,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.