Hydrologists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for hydrologists in the U.S. is $96,600 ($46.44 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $96,600
- Mean annual wage
- $103,600
- Median hourly wage
- $46.44
- Employment
- 5,850
5,850 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,020 | $30.78 |
| 25th percentile | $77,210 | $37.12 |
| Median (50th) | $96,600 | $46.44 |
| 75th percentile | $122,830 | $59.06 |
| 90th percentile | $153,130 | $73.62 |
Highest-paying states for hydrologists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $143,010 | 90 |
| Virginia | $132,080 | 40 |
| New Jersey | $126,680 | — |
| California | $122,110 | 540 |
| Georgia | $121,830 | 30 |
| Massachusetts | $119,350 | 50 |
| Missouri | $116,100 | 50 |
| Alaska | $108,660 | 60 |
| Nevada | $107,930 | 170 |
| Washington | $105,600 | 350 |
Lowest-paying states
- South Carolina: $65,770 median annual wage
- Florida: $76,850 median annual wage
- Wisconsin: $78,770 median annual wage
- Idaho: $78,850 median annual wage
- Indiana: $80,700 median annual wage
About this occupation
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.
Typical tasks
- Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
- Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
- Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
- Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Bachelor's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 44.2% |
| Master's degree | 40.7% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 15.2% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$90,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Chemists$91,240
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$100,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.