Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Hydrologist studies the movement, distribution, and quality of water in the Earth's atmosphere and on its surface. They analyze how water influences the environment and how human activities affect the water cycle.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 1.5% (below average)
Annual job openings: 500
Direct AI exposure: 29% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 77% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Geoscientists and Oceanographers. According to the wage tables, average income is $104K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $64K per year | $83K per year | $104K per year | $140K per year | $208K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $39K above the national average. | ||||
Hydrologists work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. Their work often involves both fieldwork, such as collecting water samples or measuring stream flow, and office work, like analyzing data and writing reports.
Hydrology is a critical field that connects environmental science, geology, and engineering. Hydrologists play a vital role in understanding how water affects ecosystems and human societies. They study everything from the local impacts of droughts and floods to global issues like climate change. Their work is crucial in managing water resources, ensuring water quality, and addressing environmental challenges.
A career in hydrology involves a mix of outdoor fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer-based data analysis. Hydrologists need to be skilled in scientific research methods, data interpretation, and problem-solving. They often collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and policymakers to develop sustainable solutions to water-related issues.
This field offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from local watershed management to international water conservation initiatives. Hydrologists contribute to vital environmental goals, such as protecting drinking water sources, preventing pollution, and managing the impacts of climate change on water resources.
A bachelor's degree in environmental science, geosciences, or a related field is typically required, taking about 4 years. However, many hydrologists have a master's degree or Ph.D., especially those in research or advanced positions.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
