Hydrologists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, hydrologists earn $138,500 at the median — $66.59 an hour. The range runs from $101K at the entry level to $221K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $127,204 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 27.5% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $139K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About hydrologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level hydrologists (10th percentile) start around $101K. Mid-career wages sit at $139K.Top earners bring in $221K or more - a $120K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hydrologists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $138,500 a year - that works out to about $66.59 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $101,180, and experienced hydrologists can clear $221,150. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $139K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,041/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 27.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a hydrologists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 hydrologists salary is worth about $127,204 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.