A hydrologist studies water systems in order to solve problems related to water quality and quantity. They study the way that rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation move across the land to bodies of surface water such as lakes and streams or the way precipitation moves through soil and rocks to underground water below the earth’s surface. Hydrologists analyze how changes to the environment influence water and how water changes the surrounding environment. A hydrologist may study water in order to control river flooding, to find water supplies for cities or farms, or to prevent or clean up pollution caused by contamination.

Park hydrologist, Erin White, taking high-precision water velocity measurements in Yellowstone National Park

On a typical day, a hydrologist may collect water samples to test for volume, velocity, pH levels, and pollutant levels. They may also evaluate the suitability of new hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Other job duties could include using computer models to forecast floods, the future of water supplies, or the spread of pollutants. Hydrologists also need to communicate their findings with others so they may be responsible for writing reports, preparing maps or data charts, and making oral presentations.

Hydrologists work both outdoors and in offices or laboratories. A beginning hydrologist typically works primarily outdoors and may be expected to access remote areas, walk long distances, carry heavy equipment, and wade in streams and other bodies of water. When indoors, hydrologists use computers to analyze and model data. A hydrologist may also need to travel for their job, with some private sector jobs requiring international travel.

Hydrologists need strong skills in math, statistics, geology, physics, computer science, chemistry and biology. In addition, background in other subjects such as economics and environmental law and policy is needed to communicate with other scientists and policy makers about issues that affect water. Hydrologists must also be able to communicate clearly through both written reports and oral presentations. Although some of the work hydrologists do is independent, they should also be able to work well with other people.

You will need a bachelor's degree to become a hydrologist and to advance to a higher position will require a master's degree. Your degree must be in hydrology or in geoscience, earth science, environmental science, or engineering with a concentration in hydrology or water science. People who want to conduct advanced research or become university faculty typically need a Ph.D.

There are a number of ways to explore whether a hydrology career is right for you. Get training and then collect and report data on surface water quality with Colorado River Watch. Or, be part of an important network that records when and where flow in smaller stream channels occurs using the StreamTracker app. Also check out the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), which posts internships as well as job opportunities for aspiring hydrologists.

The median annual wage for hydrologists was $84,040 in May 2020. Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Managing our local, state and national water resources will be critical as we address the impacts of climate change and the effects of a growing human population on the water cycle.

RELATED BLOGS