Hydrologic Technicians

People in this career spend their time collecting and organizing vital information about water resources. Day-to-day tasks include measuring water flow rates, checking groundwater levels, and gathering water samples to analyze their physical, chemical, and biological traits. Technicians install, maintain, and calibrate field equipment, and they prepare water samples to ship to testing laboratories. This information is often collected to assist engineers, hydrologists, developers, agricultural operations, or government agencies.

This role strongly appeals to individuals with realistic interests who enjoy practical, hands-on activities. Success in this field requires a high level of attention to detail, dependability, and cautiousness when handling delicate equipment and natural environments. Technicians must also demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability when working in changing outdoor conditions. Perseverance, initiative, and cooperation are also essential work styles, as technicians frequently collaborate with other science professionals to ensure data accuracy.

To enter this field, candidates typically need an associate's degree, which represents a medium level of preparation. Many individuals also prepare through vocational training programs or by gaining related practical experience. Useful college majors that align with this career path include geological and earth sciences or geosciences, physical science technologies, and general science technologies.

While specific requirements can vary by location, some states list a license for this work. Aspiring technicians can also look into related roles in the science family, such as geological technicians, water resource specialists, or environmental scientists, to understand the broader field of water and land conservation.

The median annual pay for hydrologic technicians is $64,790. This means half of the workers in this occupation earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10% of workers earn less than $44,950, while the highest 10% earn more than $100,480.

There are currently 2,840 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -1.3%. Despite this slight decrease in total jobs, about 400 openings are still expected each year to replace workers who leave the occupation.