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Hydrologist IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hydrologist IV in the United States is $142,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,638
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $127,089 to $160,962
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,925
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hydrologist IV Salaries

A Hydrologist IV'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 IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $157,938.
  • California: $157,339.
  • Massachusetts: $155,242.

Top Paying Cities for Hydrologist IV

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: $179,919
  • San Francisco: $177,949
  • Oakland: $174,199

Hydrologist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hydrologist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,958. While startup companies pay approximate $131,483.

Hydrologist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $131,483
Growth Stage 51~500 $138,960
Established 501~5000 $149,754
Enterprise 5000+ $154,958

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

Understanding how a Hydrologist IV'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
$127,089
Average $142,646/year
$160,962
$10,591
Average $11,887/month
$13,414
$2,444
Average $2,743/week
$3,095
$61
Average $69/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,962 $13,414 $3,095 $77
Average $142,646 $11,887 $2,743 $69
25th Percentile $127,089 $10,591 $2,444 $61

Hydrologist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Hydrologist IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Hydrologist IV, 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 V $137,002 -4%
Geologist V $131,059 -8%
Geophysicist V $192,094 35%
Microbiologist V $133,864 -6%

Most common benefits for Hydrologist IV

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

Common company salaries for Hydrologist IV

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

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FAQ about Hydrologist IV

1. Where can a Hydrologist IV earn the most?

A Hydrologist IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Hydrologist IV is $179,919.

2. What is the highest pay for Hydrologist IV?

The highest pay for Hydrologist IV is $177,638.

3. What is the lowest pay for Hydrologist IV?

The lowest pay for Hydrologist IV is $112,925.

4. What are the responsibilities of Hydrologist IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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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