Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians was $53,350 in May 2025.The median annual wage for hydrologic technicians was $64,790 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians was $53,350 in May 2025.The median annual wage for hydrologic technicians was $64,790 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.
Work Environment
Geological and hydrologic technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Most geological and hydrologic technicians work full time.
How to Become a Geological or Hydrologic Technician
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians was $53,350 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for hydrologic technicians was $64,790 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Geological and hydrologic technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Most geological and hydrologic technicians work full time.
How to Become a Geological or Hydrologic Technician
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary training in applied science or a science-related technology. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians was $53,350 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for hydrologic technicians was $64,790 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,400 openings for geological and hydrologic technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geological and hydrologic technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geological and hydrologic technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about geological and hydrologic technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.