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Hydro Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morson Talent

Engineer - E2 RQ01193

Edmonds, WA

$60.80/hr

Participate in BC Hydro's engineering practice using initiative and judgement in making a few routine technical decisions, applying standards and following detailed instructions so that BC Hydro ...

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Hydro Engineer information

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$31K

$95.8K

$127.5K

How much do hydro engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydro engineer in the United States is $95,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hydro Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, with expertise in hydraulics, hydrology, and water resource management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with industry-standard design software (like AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and GIS), as well as knowledge of regulatory frameworks, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design and management of water-related infrastructure projects.

How much do hydro engineers earn?

Hydro engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in water resource management or project design can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and nuclear engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong educational background, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydro Engineers when working on large-scale hydroelectric projects?

Hydro Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental concerns with project objectives, managing complex site logistics, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, civil engineers, and local authorities—is essential to address issues like fish migration, sediment management, and community impact. These projects typically require strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, as unexpected weather conditions or geological discoveries can impact project timelines and budgets.

What is the difference between Hydro Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydro EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; often requires PE or FE certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dams, water resource projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Industry UsageWater resources, renewable energy, hydropowerConstruction, transportation, urban development

Hydro Engineers focus on water-related projects like dams and hydropower, requiring specialized knowledge in water systems. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles often share similar credentials and work environments, but Hydro Engineers specialize in water resources and energy projects.

What does a hydro engineer do?

A hydro engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems related to water resources, such as dams, hydroelectric power plants, and water supply infrastructure. They analyze water flow, perform site assessments, and use engineering tools like CAD software, often requiring knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards.

What are hydro engineers and what do they do?

Hydro engineers, also known as hydrological or hydraulic engineers, are professionals who specialize in the study and management of water resources. They design, develop, and oversee projects such as dams, water treatment plants, flood control systems, and irrigation networks. Their work involves analyzing the movement, distribution, and quality of water to support sustainable development and prevent water-related hazards. Hydro engineers often collaborate with environmental scientists, civil engineers, and government agencies to ensure efficient and safe water management solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
More about Hydro Engineer jobs
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Hydro Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,796 per year, or $46.1 per hour.
Engineering Technician CMT

Engineering Technician CMT

Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc

Bogart, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Geo-Hydro Engineers provides site development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers. Our employees enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, growth opportunities, gain valuable hands-on experience and certifications, participate in innovative solutions and robust training and have the opportunity to make Geo-Hydro a part of their long-term career!
We are seeking motivated and dependable Engineering Technicians to join our team, providing essential support for civil engineering consulting and testing services. This hands-on role involves field and laboratory testing of construction materials-including soil, concrete, and masonry-in accordance with ASTM standards. Technicians are responsible for observing construction activities for compliance with project specifications and documenting field results accurately and clearly. The position requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, reliable transportation, and the ability to obtain industry certifications such as ACI, ICC, and OSHA. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism while working in dynamic construction environments.
Requirements
Education: Engineering technicians must have a high school diploma or the GED high school equivalency credential.
  • Certification: Engineering technicians will obtain and maintain relevant ACI, ICC, and OSHA certifications, as well as other certifications as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Pre-employment Requirements:
  • Drug Testing: All job applicants will undergo testing for the presence of illegal drugs as a condition of employment. All employees will follow Geo-Hydro Engineers' Drug Free Workplace Substance Abuse Policy.
  • Driving Record: Engineering technicians will have a valid driver's license with no violations that prevent them from being insured through the company's insurance carrier. The ability to be insured is at the discretion of the company's insurance carrier. The insurance carrier routinely reviews employee's driving records and may determine at any time than any employee will no longer be permitted to operate any company vehicle.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
  • Observation: Engineering technicians must be able to observe construction work for compliance with applicable project drawings and specifications, and for general accordance with International Building Code requirements.
  • Testing: Engineering technicians must be able to perform field and laboratory testing of soil, stone, concrete, grout, masonry, and other construction materials in accordance with ASTM standards. Applicable ASTM standards include but are not limited to the following: D-698, D-1557, D-1556, D-2937, D-2216, D-6938, C-31, C-143, C-173, C-231, and ASTM STP 399.
  • Documentation: Engineering technicians document field observations and test results by writing legibly in English with proper grammar. Basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) is an integral part of all testing and reporting.
  • Safety: Engineering Technicians must wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), attend safety training sessions, and follow the requirements within the Geo-Hydro Safety and Health Manual.

Physical Requirements Lifting:
  • Must be able to lift, load and unload soil, sand, asphalt, CMU, and concrete samples weighing up to 100 pounds.
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing: Must be able to maneuver a 6-cubic foot wheelbarrow loaded with 150-200 pounds of fresh concrete for up to 50 yards over uneven ground.
  • Unit weight testing requires lifting a 50-pound container of concrete. Six-inch compressive strength test cylinders weigh 30 pounds each.
  • Volumetric air content testing requires repeated swinging of the 30-pound concrete-filled test device from knee-level to head-level.
  • Soil Density Testing: The technician must be able to repeatedly drop a 25-pound drop slide hammer to drive sampling tubes into the ground and then manually excavate the sampling tubes back out of the ground with mattock and shovel.
  • Must be able to load and unload a 90-pound case containing a nuclear density gauge and carry the 50-pound nuclear density gauge by hand for up to 50 yards over uneven ground.
  • Hand Auger and Penetrometer: Must be able to manually hand auger down to 10 feet into soil to obtain samples and perform portable dynamic cone penetrometer testing. The hand auger may require up to 50 pounds of pull to remove it from wet soil conditions. The total weight of the dynamic cone penetrometer ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. Operation of the penetrometer requires repeated raising and dropping of the 15 pound slide weight.

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