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Hourly Wage for Hydrologist I Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Hydrologist I?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Hydrologist I in the United States is $36, which translates to an annual salary of about $75,349.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34 to $42 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hydrologist I Salaries

A Hydrologist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Hydrologist Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Hydrologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,427.
  • California: $83,110.
  • Massachusetts: $82,003.

Top Paying Cities for Hydrologist I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $95,038
  • San Francisco: $93,997
  • Oakland: $92,016

Hydrologist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hydrologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,852. While startup companies pay approximate $69,453.

Hydrologist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,453
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,402
Established 501~5000 $79,104
Enterprise 5000+ $81,852

Hydrologist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hydrologist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$69,744
Average $75,349/year
$86,932
$5,812
Average $6,279/month
$7,244
$1,341
Average $1,449/week
$1,672
$34
Average $36/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,932 $7,244 $1,672 $42
Average $75,349 $6,279 $1,449 $36
25th Percentile $69,744 $5,812 $1,341 $34

Most common benefits for Hydrologist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Hydrologist I

Here are companies hiring for Hydrologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Hydrologist I

1. What are the responsibilities of Hydrologist I?

Studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water across surface and subsurface environments to inform resource management and environmental protection efforts. Collects and analyzes field data on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, erosion, and water quality using specialized instruments and sampling techniques. Develops hydrologic models to forecast water availability, flood risk, and the impacts of land use or climate variability. Prepares technical reports, maps, and recommendations to guide decisions on water supply, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Advises engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies on compliance with environmental standards and water resource regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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