Hydrologic Technicians
What Hydrologic Technicians Do
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.
See full salary breakdown & percentiles →
Career Outlook
National employment outlook, 2024–2034.
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Self-employed
- Not available
Source: BLS Employment Projections — 2024-2034.
How Much Preparation Does This Take?
Job Zone 3 of 5Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Job training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Source: O*NET Job Zones.
Software & Technologies
Tools and software used in this occupation, per O*NET.
Hot Technologies
In-Demand Technologies
Other Software Used
- Datasurge GEOPRO
- Delft GeoSystems MStab
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- GEO-SLOPE SEEP/W
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Mitre Software GSLOPE
Work Style
Personal work characteristics that matter most for this occupation, per O*NET.
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
- Adaptability
Career Interests
This occupation’s RIASEC interest profile, per O*NET — how strongly it fits each of the six Holland interest types.
- RealisticHigh
- ConventionalHigh
- InvestigativeMedium
- SocialLow
- EnterprisingLow
- ArtisticLow
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Where This Career Is Most Concentrated
Metro areas where hydrologic technicians make up the largest share of local employment, relative to the national average (BLS location quotient).
- 1Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL4.43× national avg
- 2Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA3.18× national avg
- 3Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX1.59× national avg
Possible Career Moves
A computed starting point, not observed job-change data — see the full list for why each one might fit.
- Conservation ScientistsAdvancement
- HydrologistsAdvancement
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic TechniciansLateral Move
- Environmental EngineersAdvancement
Related Education Programs
Schools that offer related fields of study, based on the NCES CIP-SOC crosswalk — not a guarantee that graduates enter this specific career.
Geology/Earth Science, General
- Washington State University (Pullman, WA)grads earn ~$45,002
- Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH)grads earn ~$62,360
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA)grads earn ~$66,845
- Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS)grads earn ~$86,410
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh, PA)grads earn ~$57,456