Hydrologist

A hydrologist studies the movement, distribution, and properties of water in the Earth's crust and atmosphere, conducting field investigations and laboratory analyses to assess water resources, flood risk, and contamination. They collect water samples, operate monitoring equipment, and produce technical reports to inform water management decisions for government agencies, local councils, environmental consultancies, and mining or agricultural enterprises.

Design and conduct field surveys to measure water flow rates, groundwater levels, and water quality parameters using equipment such as flow meters, piezometers, and automated data loggers. Install and maintain hydrological monitoring stations in streams, aquifers, and coastal zones to collect continuous data on rainfall, streamflow, and water table elevation. Collect water samples from surface water, groundwater, and wastewater sources and prepare them for laboratory analysis of contaminants, sediment load, and chemical composition. Operate and calibrate specialised instruments including acoustic Doppler current profilers, sediment samplers, and water quality probes in field settings. Analyse hydrological data using statistical software and geographical information systems (GIS) to model groundwater movement, aquifer capacity, and flood extent. Develop water balance models and numerical simulations to predict the impact of climate variability, land use change, and water extraction on stream and aquifer systems. Assess flood risk and erosion hazards by interpreting rainfall intensity data, historical flood records, and topographic information for urban planning and land management purposes. Evaluate the hydrogeological properties of soil and rock layers by interpreting borehole logs, geological surveys, and aquifer pump test results.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need a science degree (usually environmental science, geology, or engineering) plus specialist training in GIS and hydrological modelling software. Field work is physically demanding and often in remote or wet conditions. Career progression to senior roles is slow, and many positions are tied to government budgets or project funding that can dry up.

Some regional positions exist in agricultural and mining areas. The reality is that funding for water management concentrates where population and water stress are highest.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2344, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboardscore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Digital Literacy
• Electronic Document Management
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Process Improvement Identification
• Record Management
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026