As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water Resources Manager in the United States is $102,364 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Water Resources Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Water Resources Manager'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Water Resources Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Database ... Level Water Resources Manager | $76,192 |
| Water Res... Level Water Resources Manager | $102,954 |
| Database ... Level Water Resources Manager | $125,311 |
| Database ... Level Water Resources Manager | $143,893 |
| Database ... Level Water Resources Manager | $167,880 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Water Resources Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.61% |
| Data Warehouse | 3.84% |
| Data Modeling | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$108,506 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$107,482 |
5%
|
|
Data Science
|
$107,482 |
5%
|
|
AWS
|
$106,459 |
4%
|
|
Big Data
|
$106,459 |
4%
|
|
Data Processing
|
$106,459 |
4%
|
For Water Resources Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Water Resources Manager positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Water Resources Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $163,782 | $79.0 | 60% |
| Business Services | $158,664 | $76.0 | 55% |
| Construction | $153,546 | $74.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $148,428 | $71.0 | 45% |
| Healthcare | $143,310 | $69.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Water Resources Manager'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Water Resources Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,866 in 2023 to around $100,748 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Water Resources Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,866 |
| 2024 | $102,208 |
| 2025 | $100,748 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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