Hydrologic Technicians
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources.
Is hydrologic technicians a good career?
It scores 11/100 and ranks #655 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($64,790)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-2.1% through 2034)
What hydrologic technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. hydrologic technicians earn between $52,040 and $84,680 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live hydrologic technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Although entry-level positions typically require an associate’s degree in applied science or a science-related technology, employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technician jobs that are data intensive or highly technical may require a bachelor’s degree.
Community colleges and technical institutes may offer programs in geosciences, mining, or a related subject, such as geographic information systems (GIS). Regardless of the program, most students take courses in geology, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and physics. Schools also may offer internships and cooperative-education programs in which students gain experience while attending school.
Training
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically receive on-the-job training to attain competency. Under the supervision of experienced technicians, new technicians gain hands-on experience using field and laboratory equipment and computer software. The length of training may vary from 1 to 12 months.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some geological and hydrologic technicians may be required to have the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) certification. HAZWOPER certification includes training in health hazards, personal protective equipment, site safety, recognizing and identifying hazards, and decontamination. Refresher training may be required to maintain certification.
Although not required, certification may indicate professional expertise.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians evaluate data and samples using a variety of techniques, including laboratory experimentation and computer modeling.
Communication skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians explain their methods and findings through oral and written reports to scientists, engineers, managers, and other technicians.
Critical-thinking skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians must use their judgment when interpreting scientific data and determining what is relevant to their work.
Interpersonal skills. Geological and hydrologic technicians need to be able to work well with others as part of a team.
Physical stamina. To do fieldwork, geological and hydrologic technicians must be able to reach remote locations while carrying testing and sampling equipment.
Related occupations
How much do hydrologic technicians make?
The national median wage is $64,790 a year, with the middle half earning between $52,040 and $84,680 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is hydrologic technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 11 of 100 and ranks #655 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -2.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a hydrologic technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do hydrologic technicians earn the most?
Among states, Texas pays the highest median ($88,400). Local pay for every state and metro is below.