SOC 19-2043 · May 2025 · United States
Hydrologists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
$96,600 /year
The median wage for Hydrologists across the United States is $96,600 per year, measured over 5,850 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $143,010.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Hydrologists
Pay for this occupation varies by 117.4% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $143,010 and South Carolina pays $65,770.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $143,010 | 90 | |
| 2 | Virginia | $132,080 | 40 | |
| 3 | New Jersey | $126,680 | — | |
| 4 | California | $122,110 | 540 | |
| 5 | Georgia | $121,830 | 30 | |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $119,350 | 50 | |
| 7 | Missouri | $116,100 | 50 | |
| 8 | Alaska | $108,660 | 60 | |
| 9 | Nevada | $107,930 | 170 | |
| 10 | Washington | $105,600 | 350 |
States with the most Hydrologists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 540 | $122,110 | |
| 2 | Arizona | 400 | $86,700 | |
| 3 | Ohio | 390 | $98,200 | |
| 4 | Colorado | 360 | $100,840 | |
| 5 | Washington | 350 | $105,600 | |
| 6 | Minnesota | 300 | $94,580 | |
| 7 | Oregon | 300 | $93,690 | |
| 8 | Florida | 280 | $76,850 | |
| 9 | Texas | 220 | $81,080 | |
| 10 | Montana | 190 | $84,500 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $152,730 | 50 |
| 2 | San Francisco | $147,080 | 50 |
| 3 | San Jose | $142,640 | 30 |
| 4 | Baltimore | $138,020 | 50 |
| 5 | Trenton | $128,320 | 40 |
| 6 | Riverside | $126,820 | 40 |
| 7 | Los Angeles | $123,420 | 70 |
| 8 | Las Vegas | $118,390 | 50 |
| 9 | Portland | $113,550 | 80 |
| 10 | Reno | $111,140 | 70 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.