Hydrologic Technicians in California
Want to work as a Hydrologic Technicians in California? Here’s what the data says. 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. Excludes “Hydrologists” (19-2043).
What do Hydrologic Technicians Make in California?
For hydrologic technicians working in California, wages run about $63,900 per year (or roughly $30.72/hour).Earnings range from $46,810 at the 10th percentile to $100,160 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,810 | $22.51 |
| 25th percentile | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Median (50th) | $63,900 | $30.72 |
| 75th percentile | $85,990 | $41.34 |
| 90th percentile | $100,160 | $48.15 |
The job concentration index in California nationwide is 1.15, indicating that hydrologic technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, hydrologic technicians earn a median of $92,011 per year ($44.24/hour), below the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 134,433 hydrologic technicians in the U.S.. In California alone, approximately 400 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 60 hydrologic technicians.
Top California Metros for Hydrologic Technicians
The largest metro-area employers of hydrologic technicians in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 70 | $68,490 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 40 | $83,710 |
Top States for Hydrologic Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most hydrologic technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 400 |
| Texas | 220 |
| Florida | 160 |
| Colorado | 130 |
| North Carolina | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | 100 |
| Oregon | 90 |
| Idaho | 90 |
| Washington | 80 |
| Maryland | 80 |
| Ohio | 70 |
| Wisconsin | 60 |
| New Hampshire | 60 |
| Georgia | 60 |
| New Jersey | 50 |
| New York | 50 |
| Puerto Rico | 50 |
| Michigan | 40 |
| Utah | 40 |
| Louisiana | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Hydrologic Technicians
The highest-paying states for hydrologic technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $81,380 |
| New Hampshire | $77,140 |
| Missouri | $72,630 |
| Alaska | $72,240 |
| Louisiana | $67,950 |
| Massachusetts | $67,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,960 |
| Utah | $65,960 |
| California | $63,900 |
| Georgia | $63,360 |
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
- Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
- Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
- Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
- Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
- Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
- Measure the properties of bodies of water, such as water levels, volume, and flow.
- Perform quality control checks on data to be used by hydrologists.
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, ESRI ArcGIS software In-demand technologies: Geographic information system GIS systems
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Other Science Technologies
- General Science Technologies
- Physical Science Technicians
- Geological & Earth Sciences
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to hydrologic technicians include:
- Water Resource Specialists
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Civil Engineers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
Also Known As
Field Technician (Field Tech), GIS Technician (Geographic Information System Technician), Groundwater Monitoring Technician, Hydro Operator, Hydrographer, Hydrography Technician, Hydrologic Aid, Hydrologic Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4044.00
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