Hydrologist Salary 2025: $96,600 Median, Outlook & How to Become One
Hydrologists study water movement, availability, and quality. They earned a median salary of $96,600 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage was $103,600, or roughly $46 per hour. Most hydrologists work for government agencies, consulting firms, or research organizations.
How much Hydrologists earn
The typical hydrologist salary spans from $64,020 at the 10th percentile to $153,130 at the 90th percentile. Half of all hydrologists earn between those figures. The median of $96,600 is the midpoint where half earn more and half less.
Pay varies significantly by employer type. Federal government jobs usually offer higher median pay ($107,000+), while state government roles are often closer to $85,000. Consulting positions fall in between, depending on project scale and location.
Experience strongly influences earnings. Entry-level hydrologists with a master’s degree might start around $60,000–$70,000, while senior hydrologists with 15+ years and professional licensure can reach six figures. Geographic location is another major factor.
Pay by state
Maryland tops the list at $143,010 average annual pay for hydrologists. Virginia ($132,080), New Jersey ($126,680), California ($122,110), and Georgia ($121,830) round out the top five. These states tend to have high federal or private-sector water resource activity.
At the lower end, South Carolina averages $65,770. Florida ($76,850) and Wisconsin ($78,770) also pay below the national median. Cost of living varies, but the raw dollar differences are substantial—over $77,000 between Maryland and South Carolina.
How to become Hydrologist
A master’s degree is the standard entry-level education. Most hydrologists hold a master’s in hydrology, geoscience, environmental science, or engineering. Some positions accept a bachelor’s degree with strong coursework in hydrology and related fields, but advancement is limited without a graduate degree.
Bachelor’s programs should include classes in geology, chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics, and computer modeling. Master’s programs add field methods, groundwater hydrology, and research. Ph.D.s are common in research and academic roles.
Licensing is a practical step. Many hydrologists earn the Professional Hydrologist (PH) credential through the American Institute of Hydrology, or a Professional Geologist (PG) license, which can improve job prospects and salary. Certification requires a degree, experience, and exam.
The typical career path: earn a master’s, gain 2–3 years of field or lab experience as a technician or junior hydrologist, then take the licensing exam. Sustainability, climate adaptation, and regulatory compliance work are growing subfields.
- Earn a bachelor's in hydrology, geoscience, or environmental science (focus on math and physics).
- Complete a master's degree in hydrology or a related field (most employers require it).
- Gain experience via internships, research assistantships, or entry-level fieldwork.
- Obtain professional certification (PH or PG) to advance and increase pay.
- Pursue continuing education to stay current in modeling, remote sensing, and policy.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a decline of 0.1% for hydrologists from 2024 to 2034, essentially flat. That translates to about 500 new openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Competition will be strong for the limited number of positions.
Despite the decline, water scarcity, flood risk, and environmental regulation will sustain demand for hydrologists in areas like groundwater modeling, watershed management, and climate adaptation. Federal agencies, especially the USGS and EPA, remain steady employers.
Employment is concentrated in states with significant water resources or regulatory activity. California, Texas, Florida, and the Mid-Atlantic states have the most jobs. Job seekers with GIS, data analysis, and communication skills will have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a hydrologist?
Entry-level hydrologists with a master’s degree typically start between $60,000 and $70,000. The 10th percentile for all hydrologists is $64,020, per BLS.
Do you need a PhD to be a hydrologist?
No. A master’s degree is the standard for most jobs. A PhD is usually needed for university research or teaching roles.
What is the job growth for hydrologists?
The BLS projects a decline of -0.1% from 2024-2034, resulting in about 500 openings each year. The field is near static.
Which state pays hydrologists the most?
Maryland, with an average annual wage of $143,010. Virginia ($132,080) and New Jersey ($126,680) follow.
How can I become a hydrologist?
Earn a bachelor’s in a geoscience, then a master’s in hydrology. Gain field experience and consider professional certification (PH or PG).
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 Hydrologists data.