Hydrologists
SOC Code: 19-2043
Hydrologists carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $92,060 and -0.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 37% AI exposure, Hydrologists sits 0 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 59% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Hydrologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Hydrologists has ai exposure of 37%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Hydrologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Hydrologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Hydrologists (SOC 19-2043) 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 6,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.1% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $92,060, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor'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 Hydrologists. 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. Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- 2. Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- 3. Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- 4. Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- 5. Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- 6. Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
- 7. Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- 8. Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- 9. Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
- 10. Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Science
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Hydrologists?
Hydrologists 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 Hydrologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Hydrologists is projected to decline by 0.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Hydrologists?
Key skills for Hydrologists include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Hydrologists earn?
The median annual wage for Hydrologists is $92,060, 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 Hydrologists?
The typical entry-level education for Hydrologists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Hydrologists?
Hydrologists 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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).