Hydrologist
Skills & Interest
  • DIY
  • Outdoors
  • Science
  • Technology
The Scoop

Hydrologists are basically scientists who specialize in water. (Which is pretty cool, because water just happens to be the source of all life on the planet.) You get to be on boats, on beaches, in underwater caverns, and on icy glaciers as you study, collect data, and give expert advice on anything and everything related to—you guessed it—water. You'll also use computers and other high-tech equipment to evaluate and report on your findings. Like Indiana Jones, sometimes you're in an office, sometimes you're in the field, so life never gets dull. Be prepared for some years in school at first—you'll most likely need a master's degree—but if you don't mind getting wet, this could be a sweet career.

The Details

Degree Required
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Years of College
4
Years of Additional School
2
Average Salary
$75,690

The Impact

Clean water is essential to the survival of any community--hydrologists help make sure that a steady supply of it gets to towns and cities all over the world.

The Fact

You wouldn't think there's water in the desert, but there is. As a hydrologist, you may find yourself working in one, as well as at sea, in the mountains, or on a glacier.