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
How to Become a Hydrologist Student interns may do hydrology fieldwork to gain hands-on experience. To enter the occupation, hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, or a related field. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.
Education
Hydrologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in a physical science field, such as geology or hydrology. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree. Environmental science, geosciences, or other natural or physical science programs usually include coursework in math, statistics, and sciences. Students also may choose to participate in internships while in school to gain hands-on experience before entering the job market. States that require geologists to be licensed may encourage hydrologists to pursue licensing as well.
Your Next Step
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of hydrologists is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 400 openings for hydrologists 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. Employment Demand for the services of hydrologists will stem from ongoing human activities such as mining, construction, and hydraulic fracturing. Concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of flooding and droughts are likely to increase demand for these scientists. Hydrologists will be needed to assess threats to local, state, and national water supplies and to develop comprehensive water management plans. However, the development and use of integrated technology and review systems may limit the need for some hydrologists. Population expansion into areas that were previously uninhabited also may increase the risk of flooding, and new communities may encounter water availability issues. Although governments value hydrologists' expertise in finding sustainable solutions to managing water resources, budget constraints will limit hiring and impact growth. Hydrologists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Physical scientists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Hydrologists 1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Hydrologists Do
Hydrologists study water and how it moves across and through the Earth’s crust. They research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of surface water and groundwater. They also study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of evaporation into the atmosphere, infiltration into soil, or return to the ocean.
Duties
Hydrologists typically do the following:
- Measure streamflow, volume, and other water-cycle elements of bodies of water
- Collect water and soil samples to test for specific properties, such as the pH or pollution levels
- Analyze data on the impacts of pollution, erosion, drought, and other environmental problems
- Research ways to minimize negative impacts of environmental problems on people and ecosystems
- Forecast water supplies, the spread of pollution, floods, and other events
- Evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities
- Write reports and present their findings
Hydrologists study water distribution, movement, and quality above and below the Earth. Their insights and expertise help with managing resources and addressing environmental issues that involve water.
Hydrologists use a variety of equipment and techniques to collect and analyze data. For example, they may use light detection and ranging (LiDAR) or sound navigation and ranging (sonar) systems to gather data for mapping bodies of water. They also use computer modeling programs to predict water conditions and analyze complex datasets.
Working with engineers, scientists, and public officials, hydrologists help to manage the water supply in a variety of ways. For example, some groundwater hydrologists recommend locations for wells and the amount of water available for pumping; others focus on the cleanup of groundwater contaminated by spilled chemicals. Surface water hydrologists may analyze precipitation data to predict water levels of aboveground sources such as lakes, streams, and snowpacks, helping reservoir managers decide when to release or store water.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Hydrologists held about 6,300 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of hydrologists were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 26% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 26 |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 18 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 12 |
| Engineering services | 7 |
Hydrologists typically work in an office setting and in the field. They may need to travel to lakes, streams, and other locations, sometimes including international destinations. In addition, fieldwork may involve working outdoors in all types of weather.
Work Schedules
Most hydrologists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week, especially when they are in the field.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Hydrologists need to evaluate data collected in the field and examine the results of laboratory tests. Communication skills. Hydrologists prepare detailed reports that document their research methods and findings. They may have to present their findings to audiences who do not have a technical background, such as government officials or the public. Critical-thinking skills. Hydrologists develop and use models to assess the potential risks to the water supply by pollution, floods, droughts, and other threats. They develop water management plans to handle these threats. Interpersonal skills. Hydrologists must be able to collaborate as part of a team with engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Physical stamina. Hydrologists working in the field may need to hike to remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment. Problem-solving skills. Hydrologists use their knowledge to find solutions to issues affecting water quality and availability.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about hydrologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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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.