Hydrologists Salary in California
In California, hydrologists earn $118,960 at the median — $57.19 an hour. The range runs from $73K at the entry level to $167K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $119K get you in California?
About hydrologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level hydrologists (10th percentile) start around $73K. Mid-career wages sit at $119K.Top earners bring in $167K or more - a $95K spread from bottom to top.
Hydrologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $134K | +46% | 70 |
| Virginia | $126K | +37% | 40 |
| California | $119K | +29% | 670 |
| Massachusetts | $117K | +27% | 110 |
| New Jersey | $116K | +26% | 70 |
| Michigan | $112K | +22% | 30 |
| Missouri | $110K | +19% | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $104K | +13% | 30 |
| Washington | $100K | +9% | 270 |
| North Dakota | $98K | +7% | 30 |
| Nevada | $97K | +6% | 180 |
| New Mexico | $97K | +5% | 110 |
| Louisiana | $96K | +4% | N/A |
| Hawaii | $95K | +3% | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | $94K | +2% | 230 |
Track hydrologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hydrologists make in California?
The median is $118,960 a year - that works out to about $57.19 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $72,550, and experienced hydrologists can clear $167,340. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $119K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,072/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 31.1% 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 hydrologists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hydrologists salary is worth about $118,960 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hydrologists 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.