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Hydrologists

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)	Projected Growth (2024-2034)
National Statistics	$92060	500	-0.1%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$92060

Median Wage (USD, 2024)

500

Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)

-0.1%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
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.
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Master's Degree

Related Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Up to and including 1 month

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Detailed Work Activities

Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Research hydrologic features or processes.
Record research or operational data.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Assess compliance with environmental laws.
Plan environmental research.
Analyze environmental data.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
Measure environmental characteristics.
Collect data about project sites.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Develop environmental research methods.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
Conduct climatological research.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Communicate results of environmental research.
Design water conservation systems.
Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Coordinate construction or installation activities.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
Direct natural resources extraction projects.
Compile geographic or related data.
Analyze geological or geographical data.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

Work Styles

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Innovation

Achievement Orientation

Intellectual Curiosity

Tolerance for Ambiguity

Initiative

Adaptability

Self-Confidence

Perseverance

Leadership Orientation

Humility

Sincerity

Empathy

Cooperation

Optimism

Social Orientation

Cautiousness

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Self-Control

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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