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AgricultureGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Hydrologist

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.

Annual openings

34

Median wage

$100,840

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Employer competency information

  • Refer above to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities information. Effective communication, such as writing reports and presenting ideas, is important to communicate research and findings.
Water ownership, use, and conservation is a critically important topic in Colorado - mountain snow runoff must be balanced for agriculture, residential, and industrial usage.
Managing stormwater is a critical part of the design of a big construction project and some employers are struggling to find Hydrologists for this work.
A lot more information, including opportunities to explore jobs and gain experience, are at Green Pathways under "The Field of Water Management".

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Engineering and Science
  • Science

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  2. Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  3. Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  4. Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
  5. Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  6. Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
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