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Hydrographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woolpert

Hydrographic Specialist

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Position Overview Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our Charleston, SC This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend ...

Michels Corporation

WI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Senior Hydrographic Surveyor - Michels Construction, Inc. Lomira, WI If you like variety and challenge and take satisfaction from knowing your work supports modern construction, consider joining the ...

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How much do hydrographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydrographer in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydrographer do?

A Hydrographer is a professional who measures and maps bodies of water, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. They collect data on water depth, tides, currents, and underwater terrain to support navigation, engineering, and environmental studies. Hydrographers use specialized equipment such as sonar, GPS, and remote sensing tools to create detailed charts and models. Their work is essential for safe maritime navigation, coastal development, and disaster management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydrographer?

To thrive as a Hydrographer, you need a solid understanding of marine science, survey methods, data analysis, and often a degree in hydrography, oceanography, or a related field. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as multi-beam echo sounders, GPS systems, GIS software, and certifications like IHO Cat A/B are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring precise data collection and analysis, as well as for successfully collaborating on complex projects that inform navigation, engineering, and environmental decisions.

How much do hydrographer surveyors make?

Hydrographer surveyors typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or advanced equipment knowledge can earn higher salaries.

How much does a hydrographer get paid?

Hydrographers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced hydrographers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in government or offshore environments.
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Hydrographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrographer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Hydrographic Specialist

Woolpert

North Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 452 rated engineering

Job description

Position Overview

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our Charleston, SC This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend real time in the field, working on marine infrastructure, marine construction, and navigational charting surveys throughout the US. Travel to other states will come up as project needs dictate, and candidates should expect approximately 100 days of travel throughout each year. 

We are especially interested in candidates who bring both survey skills and vessel operation experience, including towing vessels on trailers. Ideally this person can run the boat as well as run the survey.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located. 

What You Will Do:

Field tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam hydrographic survey 
  • GNSS topographic surveys 
  • Terrestrial LiDAR surveys 
  • Survey vessel mobilization 
  • GNSS and optical horizontal and vertical control surveys 
  • Operating and towing survey vessels, and working in coastal waterways 

Office tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam data processing 
  • GNSS static control network processing and adjustment 
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D 
  • Mobile and static terrestrial LiDAR survey processing (also referred to as 3D laser scanning) 

What You Will Bring 

  • Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology, geography, spatial science, marine science, or a comparable field. 
  • Self-motivated, quick learning, curious, and resourceful, with a common-sense approach to problem solving and workload management. 
  • A genuine interest in working for a marine-focused organization, and an appetite for regular field work and travel. 
  • Experience working on vessels and conducting hydrographic or land surveys. 

Preferred experience and qualifications: 

  • Experience operating and towing survey vessels. 
  • Experience with marine survey software such as HYPACK, QINSy, Qimera, SESWin, Discover, or other hydrographic survey programs. 
  • Experience using Global Mapper, AutoCAD, or other CAD software. 
  • Experience with magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, or USBL positioning systems. 
  • Experience with LiDAR mapping and processing, including terrestrial or airborne systems. 
  • Experience gathering GPS data with Trimble GPS hardware and software, including data processing. 
  • Working knowledge of geodesy and experience generating PPK solutions. 
  • Experience with 3D visualization. 
  • Working toward Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure. 

None of the above is required on day one. We regularly hire people with a variety of backgrounds and give them adequate training on all of these topics, but candidates who already have exposure to any of it is preferred. 

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you'll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

  • Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
  • Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
  • Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
  • Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

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