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Hydrologist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Hydrologist III make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hydrologist III in the United States is $112,995 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

However, a Hydrologist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,677
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $102,458 to $125,391
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $92,865
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hydrologist III Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects Hydrologist III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hydrologist III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Botanist (0-0 years): $78,132
  • Hydrologist III (4-7 years): $112,995
  • Meteorologist (7+ years): $136,144
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Botanist0-0 years$78,132
Hydrologist III4-7 years$112,995
Meteorologist7+ years$136,144
View as Graph

How Do Hydrologist IIIs 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $125,108.
  • California: $124,633.
  • Massachusetts: $122,972.

Top Paying Cities for Hydrologist III

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: $142,521
  • San Francisco: $140,960
  • Oakland: $137,989

Hydrologist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hydrologist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,747. While startup companies pay approximate $104,153.

Hydrologist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $104,153
Growth Stage 51~500 $110,075
Established 501~5000 $118,626
Enterprise 5000+ $122,747

Hydrologist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hydrologist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Hydrologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hydrologist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hydrologist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services$135,594$65.020%
Energy & Utilities$124,295$60.010%

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

Understanding how a Hydrologist III'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
$102,458
Average $112,995/year
$125,391
$8,538
Average $9,416/month
$10,449
$1,970
Average $2,173/week
$2,411
$49
Average $54/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $125,391 $10,449 $2,411 $60
Average $112,995 $9,416 $2,173 $54
25th Percentile $102,458 $8,538 $1,970 $49

Hydrologist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Hydrologist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Hydrologist III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Biologist IV $120,870 7%
Geologist IV $109,159 -3%
Geophysicist IV $156,283 38%
Hydrologist IV $142,646 26%

Most common benefits for Hydrologist III

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

Common company salaries for Hydrologist III

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

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FAQ about Hydrologist III

1. Where can a Hydrologist III earn the most?

A Hydrologist III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Hydrologist III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Hydrologist III is $142,521.

2. What is the highest pay for Hydrologist III?

The highest pay for Hydrologist III is $136,677.

3. What is the lowest pay for Hydrologist III?

The lowest pay for Hydrologist III is $92,865.

4. What are the responsibilities of Hydrologist III?

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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Hydrologist III?

The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Hydrologist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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