How much does a hydrologic technician make?
The median hydrologic technician in the United States earns $64,790 per year, about $31.15 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all hydrologic technicians earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 19-4044.
Hydrologic technician salary range
Pay for hydrologic technicians spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $44,950 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $100,480. The average (mean) wage of $69,530 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,950 | $21.61 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $52,040 | $25.02 | |
| Median (50th) | $64,790 | $31.15 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $84,680 | $40.71 | |
| 90th percentile | $100,480 | $48.31 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for hydrologic technicians (SOC 19-4044), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Hydrologic technician salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Hydrologic technicians earn the most in Texas at $88,400 a year, and the least in Tennessee at $30,780. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $88,400 | 270 |
| Washington | $85,240 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $79,710 | 50 |
| Missouri | $79,440 | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $73,820 | 60 |
| California | $70,790 | 300 |
| Nevada | $68,660 | 30 |
| Maryland | $67,520 | 50 |
| Georgia | $66,770 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,420 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $65,190 | 40 |
| New York | $65,190 | 50 |
| Arizona | $65,170 | 50 |
| Kentucky | $65,170 | 30 |
| Louisiana | $65,170 | 40 |
| New Hampshire | $64,790 | 50 |
| Oregon | $62,510 | 80 |
| Florida | $61,820 | 240 |
| Wisconsin | $60,100 | 50 |
| North Carolina | $59,590 | 110 |
| Colorado | $56,780 | N/A |
| Idaho | $54,950 | 50 |
| Montana | $53,550 | 70 |
| Illinois | $52,870 | N/A |
| Virginia | $52,190 | 40 |
| Ohio | $52,120 | 80 |
| West Virginia | $48,230 | N/A |
| Tennessee | $30,780 | N/A |
State median wages for hydrologic technicians (SOC 19-4044), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for hydrologic technicians
The BLS projects employment of hydrologic technicians to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 1.3%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 3,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 3,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 400 openings a year for hydrologic technicians. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a hydrologic technician
The typical entry-level education for hydrologic technicians is an associate's degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a hydrologic technician earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Texas, $88,400) and the lowest (Tennessee, $30,780) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,840 people work as hydrologic technicians in the United States. At $64,790 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Hydrologic technician salary FAQ
How much does a hydrologic technician make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a hydrologic technician is $31.15. The middle half of hydrologic technicians earn between $25.02 and $40.71 per hour.
What is the highest hydrologic technician salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of hydrologic technicians earn more than $100,480 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a hydrologic technician make a year?
The median annual salary for a hydrologic technician is $64,790. The average (mean) wage of $69,530 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a hydrologic technician a well paid job?
At $64,790 a year, a hydrologic technician earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,840 people work as hydrologic technicians in the United States.
Which state pays hydrologic technicians the most?
Texas has the highest median salary for hydrologic technicians at $88,400 a year. Washington ($85,240) and New Mexico ($79,710) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a hydrologic technician a good career?
Employment of hydrologic technicians is projected to shrink 1.3% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a hydrologic technician?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for hydrologic technicians as an associate's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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