Hydrologists

Also Called: Groundwater Consultant, Hydrogeologist, Hydrologist, Research Hydrologist

Master's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$57,120

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Hydrologists 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.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Water samplers
  • Water analyzers
  • Open stream current meters
  • Logging instruments for water wells
  • Open stream water level recorders

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Data visualization software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
EnviroInsite
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Structure query language SQL

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 52% Master's degree
  • 39% Bachelor's degree
  • 4% Post-baccalaureate certificate

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Agricultural Inspectors

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Range Managers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Hydrologists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton, GA

  • Adams State University

    Alamosa, CO

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Achievement/Effort

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Hydrologists across the country typically make.

$27.46 / hour
$57,120 /year

Entry Level

$42.68 / hour
$88,770 /year

Median Level

$68.17 / hour
$141,790 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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