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Hydrography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Geospatial Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Vector QA/QC: perform quality assurance and quality control on vector hydrography and derived features (topology, geometry validity, attribute completeness, alignment against reference data)

Lynker Corporation

Geospatial Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

Vector QA/QC: perform quality assurance and quality control on vector hydrography and derived features (topology, geometry validity, attribute completeness, alignment against reference data)

Lynker Corporation

Geospatial Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Vector QA/QC: perform quality assurance and quality control on vector hydrography and derived features (topology, geometry validity, attribute completeness, alignment against reference data)

Lynker

Geospatial Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Vector QA/QC: perform quality assurance and quality control on vector hydrography and derived features (topology, geometry validity, attribute completeness, alignment against reference data)

Lynker Corporation

Geospatial Scientist

Boulder, CO

$80K - $110K/yr

Vector QA/QC: perform quality assurance and quality control on vector hydrography and derived features (topology, geometry validity, attribute completeness, alignment against reference data)

US Navy

INTERDISCIPLINARY

Stennis Space Center, MS · On-site

You will maintain knowledge of current remote sensing capabilities, environmental quality, bathymetry/hydrography, circulation, physical oceanography, geology, attribution standards, and military ...

Lynker Corporation

Scientist II

$60K - $79K/yr

Bachelor's degree in hydrography, ocean mapping, physical science, marine science, oceanography, physics, related discipline, or equivalent (education equivalency: 4 years of work experience) • ...

U.S. Navy

Oceanographer

Graham, TX · On-site

Officer • Both Overview Oceanography (OCEANO) Officers, also called METOC, are the Navy's geophysical experts who understand and apply all facets of meteorology, oceanography, hydrography ...

U.S. Navy

Oceanographer

Cave City, AR · On-site

Officer • Both Overview Oceanography (OCEANO) Officers, also called METOC, are the Navy's geophysical experts who understand and apply all facets of meteorology, oceanography, hydrography ...

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All JobsScience JobsHydrography Jobs

Hydrography information

See salary details

$47K

$98.6K

$140.5K

How much do hydrography jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrography in the United States is $98,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hydrography?

A hydrography job involves mapping and analyzing bodies of water, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. Hydrographers use specialized equipment like sonar and GPS to measure water depth, seafloor topography, and underwater features. Their work supports navigation, engineering projects, environmental conservation, and disaster management. Hydrographers often collaborate with government agencies, marine industries, and research institutions.

What does a hydrographer do?

A typical day in hydrography often includes planning and conducting field surveys on water bodies, operating sonar and mapping equipment, and processing large volumes of spatial data back in the office or on research vessels. You may collaborate closely with engineers, environmental scientists, or maritime authorities depending on the scope of your project. Regular tasks include data validation, interpreting and creating nautical charts, and troubleshooting technical issues with survey equipment. Fieldwork can be physically demanding and sometimes requires travel or extended time at sea, making adaptability and teamwork essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in hydrography?

To thrive in hydrography, you need a solid grounding in geospatial sciences, mathematics, and marine surveying, often supported by a degree in hydrography or a related field. Familiarity with specialized tools such as multibeam echosounders, GIS software, and certifications like Certified Hydrographer are typically required. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, effective teamwork, and excellent communication are vital soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, safe navigation, and meaningful collaboration in complex marine environments.

How do you become a hydrographer?

To become a hydrographer, typically a bachelor's degree in hydrography, oceanography, geology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with surveying tools, GIS software, and underwater mapping techniques is important, and some positions may require certifications such as the Hydrographic Surveyor Certification from relevant professional organizations.

How much do hydrographic surveyors make?

Hydrographic surveyors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 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.
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Hydrography jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $98,572 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Underwater Sonar Specialist

Prudent Engineering

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Firm:

Our mission: Transforming Infrastructure with Passion and Kindness.

We provide quality, cost-effective engineering services to state and local governments and private-sector clients across New York State and Pennsylvania. Our project portfolio features experience in bridge, highway, and structural design. Condition and safety inspection. Civil and site engineering support. Construction inspection and administration. Survey and mapping and hydrographic services.

Prudent Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What you'll be able to do:

Prudent seeks a skilled Underwater Sonar Specialist to join our team. The Underwater Sonar Specialist is responsible for acquiring hydrographic data, including 3D bathymetry and underwater imagery, troubleshooting and installing sonar and sensor systems, and assisting with data processing and deliverable preparation. This role requires working collaboratively in a team environment while ensuring the safe and compliant use of equipment to deliver accurate, high-quality survey results.
Key responsibilities

  • Acquire hydrographic data that will include 3D bathymetry and 2D underwater imagery, and may include vessel mounted LiDAR data, sub-bottom profiling data, magnetometer data, and current profiling data
  • Install, troubleshoot and operate sensor systems
  • Work closely in a team environment to acquire data
  • Ensure safe and secure use of company owned and rental equipment while complying with industry standards and company policies
  • Complete field notes and documentation
  • Assist with processing data and deliverable preparation

The requirements we seek:

  • Demonstrate ability in remote sensing techniques
  • Understanding of geodesy, underwater acoustic principles and survey concepts
  • Effective technical writing and communication
  • Capable of independent decision making and problem-solving
  • Able to safely operate survey vehicles, survey vessels, ROVs, and USVs
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

Minimum Qualifications

  • A valid driver's license
  • Legal to work in the Unites States
  • Ability to lift 50+ pounds
  • Field experience
  • Experience with GNSS survey practices and instrumentation
  • Experience with hydrographic survey acquisition and processing software
  • Ability to relocate to the Syracuse, NY area

Preferred Qualifications

  • 4-year degree in hydrography, geophysics, geodetics, electronics engineering, marine geospatial, survey, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in hydrography and/or ROV inspection operations
  • Certified hydrographer
  • Hypack/Hysweep, SonarWiz, Soundtiles, and Photoshop software experience
  • CADD experience

What we offer:

  • Annual salary between $50,000 to $75,000/yr + based on experience
  • Medical, dental, vision.
  • 401K with company match.
  • PTO plus paid holidays.
  • Unlimited opportunities to advance your career.

*Actual compensation may vary based on work experience, location, market conditions, education/training, certifications, and other credentials, as well as applicable knowledge and skills.