Hydrologists
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Hydrologists research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere. The role reports a median annual salary of $92,060 in the US and is projected to decline by 10% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.48 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include environmental policy, water policies, hydrology, scientific literature, statistics.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £55,518 a year for Physical scientists (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 2114). ONS rates this estimate acceptable: it rests on a small sample, so treat it as a rough guide. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Hydrologists, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 2. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
The usual route into this career in India. Each step links to the official page it comes from.
- 1 · Qualification Master's degree in geology, applied geology, marine geology or hydrogeology[1]
- 2 · Entrance exam UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination[1]
- 3 · First role Scientist 'B' (Hydrogeology) or Assistant Hydrogeologist in the Central Ground Water Board[1]
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- UPSC — Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2027, Notice 01/2027-GEOL (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Biology
What you'd actually do
- Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Hydrologists do?
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
How much does Hydrologists earn?
The median annual salary for Hydrologists in the US is $92,060.
What is the job outlook for Hydrologists?
The role is projected to decline by 10% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 6,300 workers.
How do I become a hydrologists?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Hydrologists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include environmental policy, water policies, hydrology, scientific literature, statistics, watershed development. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Hydrologists?
Our AI-durability model gives Hydrologists a score of 0.48 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Hydrologists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.