Hydrologic Technicians

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

$50,510
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+1% projected 2024โ€“2034
Associate's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Hydrologic technicians spend their days collecting and analyzing data about water systems, from underground aquifers to rivers and streams. They travel to field sites to measure water flow rates, check groundwater levels, and gather samples that reveal water quality and chemical composition. Much of their work involves maintaining and installing specialized monitoring equipment at various locations, ensuring accurate readings over time. Back at the office or lab, they organize field data, prepare water samples for laboratory testing, and create reports that track changes in water resources.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Lee College, TX
$94,986
Science Technologies/Technicians(masters)Northwestern University, IL
$83,471
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC
$72,274
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Excelsior University, NY
$71,144
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Kilgore College, TX
$68,335
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Ashland Community and Technical College, KY
$61,539
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Arizona State University Digital Immersion, AZ
$60,661
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Arizona State University Campus Immersion, AZ
$60,661
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Houston Community College, TX
$60,612
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)San Jacinto Community College, TX
$59,496
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of Alaska Anchorage, AK
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Salisbury University, MD
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Athens Technical College, GA
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)University of Nevada-Las Vegas, NV
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)William Jewell College, MO
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Kean University, NJ
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Excelsior University, NY
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Madonna University, MI
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Adrian College, MI
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Charleston Southern University, SC
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Delta State University, MS
$59,366
Science Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Campbell University, NC
$59,366
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Del Mar College, TX
$56,948
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians(associates)Alvin Community College, TX
$54,543

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