Career Overview
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Alternate Job Titles
- Field Technician (Field Tech)
- GIS Technician (Geographic Information System Technician)
- Groundwater Monitoring Technician
- Hydro Operator
- Hydrographer
- Hydrography Technician
- Hydrologic Aid
- Hydrologic Technician
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,330 |
| Median | $58,570 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $94,310 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,940
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Hydrologists
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $92,060
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $99,590
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $48,390
Water Resource Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $161,180
Conservation Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.