Hydrologic Technician Salary Guide 2025: $64,790 Median, –2% Growth
The median Hydrologic Technician earns $64,790 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to about $31 an hour. The middle half of these workers make between $44,950 and $100,480, meaning the field offers solid pay for those with the right technical skills—especially in hydrology, geology, or environmental science.
How much Hydrologic Technicians earn
The typical Hydrologic Technician earns $64,790 annually (median), with the top 10% pulling in over $100,480. The lowest-paid 10% make around $44,950. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and reflect 2024 data.
Pay can vary significantly by employer. Federal government positions, state agencies, and private consulting firms often offer different scales. The mean hourly wage is $31.00.
- Median: $64,790
- 10th percentile: $44,950
- 90th percentile: $100,480
- Mean hourly: $31.00
- Total U.S. employment: 2,840
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Texas pays the highest average salary at $88,400, followed by Washington ($85,240), New Mexico ($79,710), Missouri ($79,440), and Massachusetts ($73,820). These states typically have more water-related infrastructure, energy extraction, or federal research installations.
On the lower end, Tennessee reports an average of just $30,780—less than half the national mean. Ohio ($52,120) and West Virginia ($48,230) also trail. State budgets and the prevalence of water-resource industries drive these differences.
How to become Hydrologic Technician
Most employers want at least an associate degree in hydrology, geology, environmental science, or a related field. Many technicians hold a bachelor's degree. Coursework in math, statistics, computer modeling, and field sampling is key.
Certification is not mandatory but can help. The American Institute of Hydrology offers a Hydrologic Technician certification program. Entry-level jobs often start with on-the-job training, especially for operating stream gauges, groundwater samplers, and lab equipment.
- Associate degree minimum; bachelor's preferred
- Fields: hydrology, geology, environmental science
- Certifications: available through AIH
- On-the-job training common for field equipment
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Hydrologic Technicians will decline by 2.1% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of about 60 jobs nationwide, though around 400 openings per year will come from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. The decline partly reflects improved automation in data collection and budget pressures at some government agencies.
Competition will be stronger for the best jobs, especially in high-paying states. Candidates with strong computer modeling skills, GIS experience, and a bachelor's degree will have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
Do Hydrologic Technicians need a license?
No state license is required, but voluntary certification from the American Institute of Hydrology can boost your resume. Some federal positions may require specific training.
What is the typical career path for a Hydrologic Technician?
Most start with field data collection and lab analysis. With experience and maybe a bachelor's degree, they can move into project management, senior technician roles, or transition to hydrologist positions.
Which industries employ the most Hydrologic Technicians?
Top employers include state and local governments (water resources agencies), federal agencies (USGS, EPA), and environmental consulting firms.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Hydrologic Technicians data.