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 pay
- $96,600
- Doing it now
- 6,300
- By 2035
- Up 1.5%
- Usually needs
- Bachelor's degree
a year
across the country
400 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
- Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
- Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- Geological and Earth Sciences/GeosciencesSee 465 colleges that teach it
- Environmental GeosciencesSee 9 colleges that teach it
- Earth Systems ScienceSee 5 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Analytical and curious
Hands-on and practical
Organised and precise
Careers like this one
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $96,600 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.