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Hydraulic Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Larson Design Group

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Conducts HEC‑RAS 1D modeling for culverts and bridges; 2D modeling experience is a plus. * Supports NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, including hydraulic reports, scour analysis, and ...

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Larson Design Group

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Conducts HEC-RAS 1D modeling for culverts and bridges; 2D modeling experience is a plus. * Supports NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, including hydraulic reports, scour analysis, and ...

CHA Consulting, Inc.

Hydraulic Engineer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

DOT hydraulic modeling and bridge design experience required * Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred * Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of ...

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How much do hydraulic modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do hydraulic modellers make?

Hydraulic modellers typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in modeling software like HEC-RAS or MIKE can earn higher salaries, especially with professional certifications and project management experience.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Modeler vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydraulic ModelerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Hydraulic Engineering; certifications in hydraulic modeling softwareBachelor's in Civil, Structural, or Environmental Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting agencies, government agencies focused on water resourcesConstruction sites, design firms, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecialized in water flow, flood risk, and hydraulic systemsBroad engineering projects including transportation, structures, water resources

Hydraulic Modelers focus specifically on modeling water systems and hydraulic simulations, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including infrastructure design and construction. Both roles often collaborate but differ in specialization and project focus.

What are some typical challenges faced by hydraulic modelers when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Hydraulic modelers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating complex data from multiple sources, ensuring model accuracy with limited field data, and adapting models to reflect real-world changes over time. Collaboration with engineers, planners, and environmental scientists is essential to address these issues and ensure models meet regulatory and client requirements. Staying current with modeling software and industry standards also helps overcome these challenges and deliver reliable results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydraulic Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydraulic Modeler, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and fluid mechanics, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, InfoWorks, or MIKE, as well as GIS applications, is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in interpreting data and conveying complex findings to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for producing accurate models that inform infrastructure planning, flood risk assessment, and water resource management.

How to become a hydraulic modeller?

To become a hydraulic modeller, typically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with hydraulic modeling software such as HEC-RAS, MIKE, or InfoWorks, along with strong analytical skills and knowledge of fluid mechanics, is essential. Professional certifications and on-the-job training can further enhance qualifications for this role.

What is a Hydraulic Modeler?

A Hydraulic Modeler is a professional who uses mathematical models and computer simulations to analyze and predict the behavior of water flows in natural and engineered systems, such as rivers, stormwater networks, and water treatment facilities. They play a crucial role in designing infrastructure, assessing flood risks, and optimizing water resource management. Hydraulic Modelers often work with specialized software to create accurate models that help inform engineering decisions and environmental planning.

What is hydraulic modeling?

Hydraulic modeling is the process used by hydraulic modelers to simulate the flow of water within a system such as a river, pipe network, or stormwater drainage. It involves creating detailed computer models using specialized software to analyze water movement, pressure, and capacity, which helps in designing, planning, and managing hydraulic infrastructure. Strong skills in hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and software tools like HEC-RAS or MIKE21 are essential for this role.
More about Hydraulic Modeler jobs
What states have the most Hydraulic Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Modeler jobs include:
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Hydraulic Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Modeler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Water/Wastewater Engineer & Hydraulic Modeler

Water/Wastewater Engineer & Hydraulic Modeler

Freese Nichols

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Freese and Nicholsisseeking aWater/Wastewater Engineer & Hydraulic Modelerto join our team inHouston or Pearland, Texas. In this role, you will take ownership of impactful water and wastewater planningand modelingprojects while building a long-term career path into leadership. You will work alongside experienced leaders, gain exposure to complex infrastructure challenges, and grow within a stable environment designed to support your professional development over time.

WhatYou'llDo

  • Manage water and wastewater master planning projects, includingschedule, budget, and client coordination

  • Serve as a consistent point of contact for Houston-area clients, buildingtrusted,long-term relationships

  • Collaboratewith internal teams and senior leaders to deliver high-quality planning solutions

  • Support delivery of critical projects through sound engineering judgment and clear communication of progress, risks, and outcomes with clients and internal teams

  • Mentor early-career engineers and help foster a supportive, growth-oriented team environment

  • Expand your technical and leadership capabilities through increasing responsibility and structured development opportunities

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or related engineering field

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or successful completion of PE exam with ability to obtain licensure within 1 year

  • 4+ yearsof engineering experience in water, wastewater, or related infrastructure projects

  • Experience managing or supporting project,schedule,and budget

  • Strong communicationskills and ability to collaborate with clients and project teams

Preferred

  • Experience in water and wastewater master planning, hydraulic modeling, sanitary sewer evaluation studies, and/or impact fee studies

  • Experience working with municipal clients in the Houston area

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor or support junior staff

  • Interest in long-term leadership growth and team development

  • Familiarity with planningandmodelingtools, or data analysis for infrastructure systems

About Freese and Nichols

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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