Hydrologic Technicians
Life, Physical, and Social Science
The day-to-day work is gathering water and soil samples, measuring flow rates and groundwater levels, and keeping field equipment in working order so samples can go out to testing labs. Analysis covers how pollution, erosion, and floods affect bodies of water, along with answering technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, and others drawing up conservation plans. Some of the work is field collection; some is modeling, cost estimates for irrigation or treatment projects, or investigating complaints about changes to public waters. It suits people who like outdoor measurement, careful sample handling, and turning those readings into clear reports.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$64'790
Median Wage Market Position
$64'790
What you might do
- Collect water and soil samples for testing
- Measure stream flow and groundwater levels
- Install and retrieve field sampling equipment
- Maintain instruments used to gather water data
- Analyze how pollution and floods affect waters
- Answer technical questions about water conservation
Skills that matter
- Collecting water and soil samples
- Measuring streamflow and groundwater levels
- Analyzing pollution and flood impacts on water
- Answering questions from hydrologists and policymakers
- Building models for hydrologic predictions
- Investigating complaints about altered public waters
AI & the future of this role
Measuring flows and maintaining field equipment remain hands-on, which tends to limit full automation. AI could speed sample processing and data checks, but outdoor monitoring and equipment upkeep still protect much of the work.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details