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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for hydrologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$59,920

10%

$88,770

Median

$134,410

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    52%

  • Bachelor's degree

    39%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

  • Post-doctoral training

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • Earth Systems Science
  • Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Science
  • Environmental Geosciences

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mathematics
  • Geography
  • Physics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.