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Hydrologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Hydrologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$122,110
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.6% vs 2024
$122,940
Mean Salary
$122,110
Median Salary
$58.71
Hourly Rate
540 people work as Hydrologists in California

Hydrologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Hydrologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Hydrologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $76,110$76,11025th25% earn less than $93,640$93,640MedianHalf earn more than $122,110$122,11075th75% earn less than $142,500$142,50090thTop 10% earn more than $181,360$181,360

Hydrologists in California earn a median salary of $122,110 per year ($10,175/month). This is 24.8% above the national average of $97,815. California ranks #4 out of 34 states for Hydrologists pay. Approximately 540 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Hydrologists

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Active Listening
3.88
Science
3.88
Speaking
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Mathematics
4.35
Physics
4.13
Engineering and Technology
4.0
English Language
3.91
Geography
3.87
Typical Education: Master's Degree (52.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Hydrologists in California

Salaries for Hydrologists in California range from $76,110 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $181,360 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $93,640 and $142,500.

Median $122,110
P10: $76,110 P25: $93,640 P75: $142,500 P90: $181,360
10th
$76,110
25th
$93,640
Median
$122,110
75th
$142,500
90th
$181,360
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $76,110 $36.59 $6,342
25th Percentile $93,640 $45.02 $7,803
Median (50th) $122,110 $58.71 $10,175
75th Percentile $142,500 $68.51 $11,875
90th Percentile (Experienced) $181,360 $87.19 $15,113

Note: The mean (average) salary of $122,940 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#4
California ranks #4 of 34 states
$97,815
National avg. for Hydrologists
+24.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Hydrologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Hydrologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Hydrologists Data in California

Hydrologists Salary by State

Compare Hydrologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Hydrologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Hydrologists in California is $122,110 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $122,940.
What is the salary range for a Hydrologists in California?
Salaries for Hydrologists in California range from $76,110 at the 10th percentile to $181,360 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $93,640 and $142,500.
What is the starting salary for a Hydrologists in California?
Entry-level Hydrologists positions in California typically start around $76,110 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $93,640 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Hydrologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 540 people are employed as Hydrologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Hydrologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Hydrologists in California is approximately $58.71 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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