As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water Resources Specialist in the United States is $112,337 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Water Resources Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Water Resources Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $123,817 | $10,318 | $2,381 | $60 |
| Average | $112,337 | $9,361 | $2,160 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,832 | $8,403 | $1,939 | $48 |
Lucas County Ohio - Waterville, OH
Kleinfelder - Perrysburg, OH
Kleinfelder - Perrysburg, OH
Black & Veatch - Columbus, OH
A Water Resources Specialist'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.
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Water Resources Specialist 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, Water Resources Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Water Resources Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $134,804 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $123,571 | $59.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Water Resources Specialist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $123,817 | $10,318 | $2,381 | $60 |
| Average | $112,337 | $9,361 | $2,160 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,832 | $8,403 | $1,939 | $48 |
Salaries for a Water Resources Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,375 in 2023 to around $81,156 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Water Resources Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,375 |
| 2024 | $82,317 |
| 2025 | $81,156 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Water Resources Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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