Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingScienceReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingMathematics
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Hydrologist salary by industry
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
3,790 workers
$101,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1,720 workers
$122,000
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
1,690 workers
$89,500
Federal Government, including the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)
1,540 workers
$108,500
Local Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
740 workers
$109,500
Educational Services
170 workers
$85,500
Other Services (except Public Administration)
50 workers
$107,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
The average base salary for a Hydrologist in the United States is $107,000 per year, or about $51.44 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $80,000 and $127,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Life, Physical, and Social Science roles?
The Life, Physical, and Social Science job family averages $100,000 across 48 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
