How long does it take to become a hydrologic technician?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do hydrologic technicians make?

The US median is $64,790 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a hydrologic technician?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a hydrologic technician?

100 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a hydrologic technician

Science · SOC 19-4044

$64,790US median pay, 2025

-1.3%Projected growth, 2025–35

400Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a hydrologic technician

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 41.9999	55
Hydrology and Water Resources Science	CIP 40.0605	35
Science Technologies/Technicians, General	CIP 41.0000	15
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 41.0399	1

See the 100 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a hydrologic technician?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do hydrologic technicians make?: The US median is $64,790 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a hydrologic technician?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a hydrologic technician?: 100 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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