Hydrologists essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $75,530
- 2012, number of jobs: 6,880
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 18 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
Hydrologists; what they do:
Hydrologists research answers and solutions to some of the world’s most complex water issues. A hydrologist career appeals to highly analytical people interested in researching the earth’s hydrologic composition, mathematics, physics, geography and technology.
A hydrologist career includes researching the composition, occurrence, movement, distribution and physical properties of underground and surface waters.
A typical day for a hydrologist involves different types of research and study such as traveling to different sites to collect water and soil samples to test for pollution levels, finding ways to improve water treatment and conservation, using technology to predict future water supplies and pollution issues and evaluating the importance of water-related projects such as hydroelectric power plants.
After careful review of research conducted, hydrologists present their findings to colleagues and write reports.
Hydrologists hold research and teaching positions, however, a Ph.D. is normally required for employment in university or institutional settings.
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Hydrologists job titles:
- Hydrologic Engineer
- Assistant Groundwater Engineer
- Groundwater Consultant
- Research Hydrologist
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Groundwater Programs Director
- Environmental Consultant
Hydrologists Education, Certification and License Requirements
Hydrologists typically need a master’s degree, however some employers only require a bachelor’s degree to begin working in the field. In addition, for research and teaching jobs most universities and institutions require a Ph.D. Also, in some states hydrologists need a license.
Unfortunately, most universities do not offer degrees in hydrology; instead, many schools offer related concentrations in areas such as geosciences or engineering programs. In addition, experience with technology and specific software programs related to hydrological study increase the chances of entering a hydrologist career upon graduation.
Hydrologist programs cover subjects such as:
- Environmental chemistry
- Geophysics
- Geomechanics
- Groundwater flow
- Engineering geology
- Hydrology
- Wetlands
- Transport of pollutants
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Hydrologists Job Outlook
Forecast: 18 percent employment growth for hydrologists between 2010 and 2020, about as fast as average for all occupations.
The occupational growth stems from the need to manage global climate change issues and the growing threats to national water supplies and resources such as pollution, droughts and floods. Population growth is also another factor demanding the need to employ more hydrologists. As communities grow, those with a hydrologist career need to find ways to not only conserve water resources but to also preserve water supplies for years to come.
Hydrologists Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $75,530
- 2012 workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $93,970
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $60,100
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Major Employers
- Architectural, engineering and related services
- Management, scientific and technical consulting services
- State, federal and local government
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