Hydrologic technicians
SOC Code: 19-4044
Hydrologic technicians carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,570 and -2.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Hydrologic technicians (SOC 19-4044) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -2.1% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $58,570, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Hydrologic technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze ecological data about the impact of pollution, erosion, floods, and other environmental problems on bodies of water.
- 2. Answer technical questions from hydrologists, policymakers, or other customers developing water conservation plans.
- 3. Apply research findings to minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, or sedimentation.
- 4. Assist in designing programs to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- 5. Collect water and soil samples to test for physical, chemical, or biological properties, such as pH, oxygen level, temperature, and pollution.
- 6. Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- 7. Estimate the costs and benefits of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- 8. Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters by gathering information, recommending alternatives, or preparing legal documents.
- 9. Investigate the properties, origins, or activities of glaciers, ice, snow, or permafrost.
- 10. Locate and deliver information or data as requested by customers, such as contractors, government entities, and members of the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Hydrologic technicians?
Hydrologic technicians has an AI exposure score of 37%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Hydrologic technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Hydrologic technicians is projected to decline by 2.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Hydrologic technicians?
Hydrologic technicians requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Associate's degree.
How much do Hydrologic technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Hydrologic technicians is $58,570, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Hydrologic technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Hydrologic technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Hydrologic technicians?
Hydrologic technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).