Hydrologic Technicians Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
In Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, hydrologic technicians earn $76,940 at the median — $36.99 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $72,984 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,922/month — about 38.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $77K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About hydrologic technicians
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level hydrologic technicians (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $77K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $61K spread from bottom to top.
Hydrologic Technicians pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $81K | +39% | 80 |
| New Hampshire | $77K | +32% | 60 |
| Missouri | $73K | +24% | 40 |
| Alaska | $72K | +23% | 30 |
| Louisiana | $68K | +16% | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $68K | +16% | N/A |
| Utah | $66K | +13% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $66K | +13% | 100 |
| California | $64K | +9% | 400 |
| Georgia | $63K | +8% | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $62K | +6% | 30 |
| Maryland | $62K | +5% | 80 |
| New York | $59K | +0% | 50 |
| Oregon | $58K | -0% | 90 |
| New Jersey | $58K | -2% | 50 |
Track hydrologic technicians salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hydrologic technicians make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $76,940 a year - that works out to about $36.99 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,150, and experienced hydrologic technicians can clear $101,440. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $77K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,692/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hydrologic technicians salary go in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hydrologic technicians salary is worth about $72,984 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hydrologic technicians get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.