How long does it take to become a hydrologist?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do hydrologists make?

The US median is $96,600 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 hydrologist?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a hydrologist?

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

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How to become a hydrologist

Science · SOC 19-2043

$96,600US median pay, 2025

+1.5%Projected growth, 2025–35

400Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work as a hydrologist

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
Geology/Earth Science, General	CIP 40.0601	441
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical	CIP 40.0607	37
Hydrology and Water Resources Science	CIP 40.0605	35
Environmental Geosciences	CIP 30.4101	13
Earth Systems Science	CIP 30.3801	2

See the 459 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a hydrologist?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do hydrologists make?: The US median is $96,600 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 hydrologist?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a hydrologist?: 459 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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