Occupation · SOC 19-2043
Hydrologists
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
308 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingScienceReading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingWritingActive LearningMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisCoordinationSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionLearning StrategiesInstructingTime ManagementService OrientationNegotiationQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingManagement of Material ResourcesInstallationRepairingOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology Design
Knowledge areas
MathematicsPhysicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageGeographyComputers and ElectronicsChemistryBiologyCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingPersonnel and Human ResourcesDesignCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentMechanicalAdministrativeSales and MarketingTelecommunicationsPublic Safety and SecuritySociology and AnthropologyBuilding and ConstructionEconomics and AccountingTransportationPsychologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionPhilosophy and TheologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingFine Arts
Technology & tools
Advanced Logic Technology WellCADAmtec Engineering TecplotArgus ONE Open Numerical EnvironmentsAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAutodesk AutoCAD Map 3DAutodesk Land DesktopBOSS International Visual GroundwaterBentley MicroStationBentley Systems gINTBiodegration flow and transport modeling softwareC++Carlson SurvCADDChemStatClover Technology GALENAData visualization softwareDatabase softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcViewEarthSoft EQuIS GeologyEarthVisionElectric Rain Swift 3DEmail softwareEnviroData SolutionsEnviroInsiteEnvironmental Software and Services SUTRAFitts Geosolutions TWODANFormlink HydroGENFormula translation/translator FORTRANGAEA Technologies Packet ESAGAEA Technologies WinLogGAEA Technologies WinSieveGIS/Solutions GIS/KeyGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareGolden Software StraterGolden Software SurferGraphics softwareGroundwater Software QuickCross/Fence
Representative tasks
Analyzing Data or InformationWorking with ComputersGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationProcessing InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoaching and Developing OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hydrological field measurements — collect and record under direct supervision using standard instruments at stream gauging stations and lake monitoring sites.Stream flow and lake level data — graph and tabulate following established protocols within a research team environment.Analytical or scientific software — operate under guidance to process basic hydrological datasets in a laboratory or office setting.Scientific literature and technical reports — read and summarize to support ongoing hydrogeological investigations under senior researcher direction.Geographic information system tools — apply basic functions to display and query surface water and groundwater datasets under supervision.Water sample collection procedures — follow established field protocols to support water quality and contamination studies.Research findings and field observations — document accurately in written field notes and preliminary reports under mentor review.Underground and surface water distribution data — compile and organize from existing records to assist senior hydrologists with resource assessments.Oral and written research summaries — prepare draft versions of assigned report sections using word processing and presentation software under guidance.Hydrological concepts and physical principles — apply foundational knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry to interpret basic monitoring results in supervised research contexts.
developing
Stream flow, groundwater levels, and water volume changes — measure, graph, and analyze independently using field instruments and analytical software on routine monitoring assignments.Hydrogeological investigation components — design and execute standard field studies with reduced oversight, ensuring data quality for water resource management decisions.Technical reports and oral presentations — produce for professional audiences, incorporating maps, illustrations, and appendices based on completed investigations.Geographic information systems and CAD software — use proficiently to model spatial distribution of surface and groundwater resources across study watersheds.Water quality parameters — assess and interpret in the context of public supply issues including flood risk, drought vulnerability, and wetland habitat impacts.Research assistants and field technicians — coordinate daily tasks and provide technical guidance within project teams on hydrogeological studies.Peer-reviewed literature and agency datasets — synthesize critically to inform problem-solving approaches for erosion, sedimentation, and waterborne disease investigations.Environmental impact assessments — contribute quantitative hydrological analysis to support regulatory submissions and water resource planning documents.Database query tools and electronic data management systems — maintain and interrogate to track longitudinal changes in groundwater and surface water records.Stakeholder and agency audiences — communicate research results clearly in meetings and written correspondence to advance water conservation objectives.
proficient
Complex hydrogeological investigations — design and lead end-to-end scientific studies autonomously, integrating multidisciplinary data to inform critical water resource management decisions.Non-routine hydrological problems — resolve by applying advanced systems analysis, inductive and deductive reasoning, and original methodological approaches across diverse field environments.Comprehensive technical reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts — author independently, synthesizing field measurements, modeled outputs, and policy implications for scientific and regulatory audiences.Flood and drought risk assessments — conduct using advanced analytical and modeling software, delivering actionable findings for public water supply and emergency planning authorities.Underground and surface water quantity, distribution, and disposition — characterize at watershed and regional scales using integrated monitoring networks and GIS-based spatial analysis.Pollution, erosion, and sedimentation mitigation strategies — develop and apply research-based recommendations to minimize environmental impacts in complex multi-stakeholder project settings.Interdisciplinary project teams of scientists, engineers, and technologists — supervise and mentor while maintaining scientific rigor and project schedule adherence.Wetland habitat and water quality interactions — evaluate comprehensively, incorporating biological, chemical, and physical data to support ecosystem protection and regulatory compliance.Advanced mathematical and statistical modeling — apply to quantify uncertainty and validate hydrological predictions in support of long-term water resource planning.Water conservation and preservation priorities — communicate persuasively to agency officials, legislators, and public audiences through high-impact presentations and policy briefs.
advanced
Organizational hydrological research strategy — set long-range direction by identifying priority knowledge gaps and aligning scientific programs with national water resource policy objectives.Multi-agency and multi-institutional research programs — lead at executive scale, integrating expertise across hydrology, environmental engineering, and ecology to address complex regional water challenges.Emerging methodologies in hydrogeological science — champion adoption across the organization by evaluating innovation opportunities and directing implementation of cutting-edge analytical technologies.Professional and technical staff development — design mentorship frameworks and career pathways that build organizational capacity in hydrological investigation and water resource management.Strategic water resource policies — influence by translating authoritative scientific findings into compelling evidence-based recommendations for senior government and industry decision-makers.Large-scale water infrastructure and environmental risk initiatives — provide executive scientific oversight, ensuring that research outcomes minimize societal exposure to flood, drought, and contamination hazards.Cross-sector partnerships with regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs — establish and steward to advance water conservation, wastewater management, and wetland preservation goals.Organizational quality assurance standards for hydrological data collection and reporting — develop and institutionalize to ensure scientific integrity across all field and laboratory operations.High-visibility public and congressional hearings — represent the organization as principal scientific authority, communicating complex hydrological evidence with clarity, credibility, and strategic persuasion.Future workforce and knowledge-transfer priorities — shape by identifying critical competency needs in hydrology and directing graduate training, professional development, and succession planning at institutional scale.
Also known as
15 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Groundwater ConsultantHydraulic EngineerHydrogeologistHydrologic EngineerHydrologistIsotope HydrologistPhysical ScientistProject HydrogeologistResearch HydrologistScientistSeismologistSource Water Protection SpecialistSurface HydrologistVolcanologistWater Resources Scientist