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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 (BLS)

$96,600

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$64k – $153k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Hydrologists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$64,000–$230,000

Time to qualify

6 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Master's degree

    Degree

    Typically two years; average graduate tuition ≈ $20,000/yr at public universities (NCES).

    $24,000–$80,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Hydrologists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Hydrologists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Hydrologists

    Entry / Junior

    $64,020

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Hydrologists

    Established

    $96,600

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Hydrologists

    Senior

    $124,865

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

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