Hydrologists

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Hydrologists does

Hydrologists study water movement, distribution, and quality in the environment to protect water resources and manage flood and drought risks. They work on projects like groundwater assessment, watershed management, and climate change impacts on water systems.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).

Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~4 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists — $103,410/yr
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists — $90,150/yr
• Environmental Restoration Planners — $82,220/yr
• Industrial Ecologists — $82,220/yr
• Climate Change Policy Analysts — $82,220/yr