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Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

H&H is offering an exciting opportunity for a Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer to join our growing Reston, VA office. H&H is a nationally recognized, full-service infrastructure engineering firm ...

PR · On-site

The Hydrology / Hydraulics Engineer will lead and support the planning, analysis, and delivery of water resource projects focused on sustainable and efficient water management solutions. This role ...

Project Manager - Hydrology and Hydraulics

Austin, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Garver seeks a Project Manager - Hydrology and Hydraulics to join our growing Transportation Team in Texas with the ability to collaborate with clients and design engineers on engineering projects ...

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Hydrology information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology in the United States is $62,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hydrology and what do hydrologists do?

Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth, including the water cycle, water resources, and environmental watershed sustainability. Hydrologists are scientists who analyze how water interacts with the environment, including precipitation, surface water, groundwater, and their impacts on ecosystems and human activities. They often work on managing water resources, predicting floods and droughts, and solving water-related problems such as pollution or scarcity. Their work is essential for agriculture, urban planning, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

What are some common challenges hydrologists face when working on field studies, and how can they be managed?

Hydrologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited accessibility to remote study sites during fieldwork. To manage these, professionals typically plan field visits carefully, use specialized equipment for data collection, and collaborate closely with team members to ensure safety and data accuracy. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as hydrologists must adapt to changing conditions and troubleshoot issues in real time. Collaborative teamwork and clear communication also play a crucial role in overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Hydrology vs Hydraulics?

AspectHydrologyHydraulics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in hydrology, environmental science, or civil engineeringBachelor's or master's in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, environmental agencies, research institutionsDesign, testing, and analysis of fluid systems, often in construction or manufacturing
Industry UsageWater resource management, environmental protection, researchFluid system design, hydraulic engineering, infrastructure projects

Hydrology focuses on the study of water movement, distribution, and quality in natural systems, while hydraulics deals with the behavior of fluids in engineered systems. Both fields often overlap but serve different purposes: hydrologists manage water resources and environmental concerns, whereas hydraulic engineers design systems like dams, pipes, and pumps.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as real estate brokers, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. Success in these fields typically depends on skills, certifications, and performance rather than formal education, and they may require licensing or specialized training.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of hydrology, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically limited to high-level executive roles, such as chief hydrologist or senior environmental consultant in large organizations, or specialized consulting positions with significant experience and reputation. Most hydrology-related roles tend to have lower salary ranges, but top executives or those with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can reach or exceed this income level.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs in hydrology or related fields typically include senior consulting roles, project managers, or specialized environmental engineers, which can sometimes pay around $2,000 per day depending on experience, project scope, and location. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may involve consulting, contract work, or leadership positions in large organizations.

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

To thrive as a Hydrologist, you need a strong background in environmental science, mathematics, and geology, usually backed by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in hydrology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, hydrologic modeling systems, and sometimes professional certifications like the Professional Hydrologist (PH) credential are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help hydrologists interpret data and collaborate with diverse teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing water resources, predicting water-related risks, and informing sustainable management decisions.

What jobs can hydrologists do?

Hydrologists analyze water resources, studying surface and groundwater to support environmental management, water supply, and flood control. They often work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or research institutions, using tools like GIS and modeling software. Certification and strong analytical skills are important for career advancement.
More about Hydrology jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydrology jobs? Cities with the most Hydrology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrology jobs? The most popular types of Hydrology jobs are:
What states have the most Hydrology jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydrology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydrology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Lecturer - Spatial Hydrology

Lecturer - Spatial Hydrology

Clemson University

Clemson, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Clemson University rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
Forestry and Environmental Conservation Lecturer
Opportunity
Come join a team of faculty and staff committed to inclusive excellence and to providing the best possible learning experience for its students. Clemson University's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC) invites applications for the position of Instructor of Spatial Hydrology with expertise in GIS and Spatial Hydrology.
University and Departmental Profile
Clemson University is a highly ranked public, land-grant university designated as a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution with strong community engagement. The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, has world-class research, teaching and Extension programs in natural resources conservation. The main campus of Clemson University is located in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 17,500-acre Clemson Experimental Forest is contiguous with the campus and provides abundant opportunities for teaching, research, and outreach.
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation offers undergraduate majors in Environmental and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, and Forest Resource Management (SAF-accredited). FEC also offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Forest Resources, and a Masters of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources (MWFR) which is a professional, non-thesis degree. The Department is home to the South Caroline Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, and the National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative. The Department is closely allied with Clemson University's Wood Utilization Design Institute and the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, a Clemson University research field station in Georgetown, South Carolina. The Department has a vibrant student chapter of the Wildlife Society and other active student groups at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will teach Spatial Hydrology. Teaching responsibilities will include creation of a 3 credit Spatial Hydrology course in Canvas for students in the MWFR program who are pursuing the GIS concentration. This includes guiding and creating discussions and assignments to engage students and reinforce course content. The successful candidate will also create assessments or exams to determine students' mastery of course content.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have experience teaching at the university level and be comfortable delivering content through an online platform. Candidates should have earned a PhD in a natural resource related field. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Application Instructions
To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted through this link: (http://apply.interfolio.com/144668) before April 19, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Applications should include: 1) A detailed curriculum vitae; 2) cover letter; and 3) unofficial transcript
Inquiries about the position can be submitted to the Chair of the Search, Dr. Althea Hagan (shotali@g.clemson.edu).

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