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Hydrologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water in the environment. In the UK, they play a vital role in managing water resources, preventing flooding, and ensuring clean water supplies. Hydrologists use scientific techniques to monitor rainfall, river flows, and groundwater levels, and they often use computer models to predict water-related issues. They may work for government agencies, environmental consultancies, or water companies, and often collaborate with engineers and environmental scientists. The role can involve both office-based data analysis and fieldwork, such as collecting water samples or installing monitoring equipment.

Hydrologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Hydrologists in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £50,000.

Number of Positions

There are approximately 2,000 people employed as hydrologists or in closely related water science roles across the UK.

Job Growth

The demand for hydrologists is expected to grow by 5 to 10 percent over the next decade, driven by climate change and water management needs.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Groundwater Modeller

Specialises in using computer models to predict how groundwater moves and changes over time, helping to manage water resources and prevent pollution.

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Flood Risk Assessor

Focuses on studying rivers and rainfall to predict flooding, advising local councils and environmental agencies on how to reduce flood impacts.

Water Quality Scientist

Analyses samples from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to monitor pollution levels and ensure water is safe for people and wildlife.

Build a Strong Foundation in Science

Focus on Science and Maths Subjects

Study subjects like Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics up to GCSE and A-Level.

Hydrology relies heavily on a solid understanding of scientific principles and analytical thinking. Taking science and maths at GCSE and A-Level will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed for a hydrology degree. Geography is particularly useful, as it covers topics related to water cycles and environmental systems.

Participate in Science Activities

Get involved in science clubs, competitions, or environmental projects at school or in your community.

Taking part in science clubs or competitions can help develop your practical and teamwork skills. You might also volunteer for local conservation projects or river monitoring initiatives, which can offer hands-on experience relevant to hydrology.

Pursue Higher Education in Hydrology or Related Field

Apply for a Relevant Degree

Choose a university course such as Hydrology, Environmental Science, Geography, or Civil Engineering.

Many hydrologists have a degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Geography, or Civil Engineering. Research universities that offer these courses and check their entry requirements. Some courses may include fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental modelling modules.

Gain Practical Experience

Take part in fieldwork, internships, or summer placements during your studies.

Many degree programmes offer opportunities for fieldwork or placements with environmental agencies, consultancies, or research groups. Getting practical experience will not only help you apply your learning but also improve your employability after graduation.

Start Your Career as a Hydrologist

Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Look for jobs with environmental consultancies, water companies, government bodies, or research institutions.

Entry-level roles might include titles like Trainee Hydrologist, Environmental Consultant, or Graduate Water Scientist. Employers include the Environment Agency, water utilities, environmental consultancies, and research organisations. Demonstrating fieldwork and data analysis experience will help you stand out.

Continue Professional Development

Join professional bodies and consider further study or accreditation.

Becoming a member of professional organisations like the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management CIWEM or the British Hydrological Society can provide networking opportunities and access to further training. With experience, you may pursue a postgraduate degree or work towards chartered status.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Hydrologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll need a first degree, and often postgraduate training, to get into hydrology. Degrees include:

  • environmental science
  • geography
  • civil engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • Earth sciences
  • ecology

Postgraduate courses

After finishing your degree, you could complete a postgraduate course. You can find postgraduate courses through the British Hydrological Society.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for an Environmental Practitioner or Geoscientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship before specialising in hydrology.

These can take up to 5 years to complete and are a mix of learning on the job and studying at an approved university.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as an assistant hydrologist or technical officer, if you have a degree in a science or environmental subject.

Your employer may encourage you to take a postgraduate qualification while you're working, like a master's degree in hydrology.

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Career tips

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has information about hydrology, including work on water pollution, flooding and drought.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the British Hydrological Society or Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

This could help you find:

  • industry news
  • advice on professional development
  • networking opportunities

Further information

You can learn about different types of hydrology work through the British Hydrological Society.

You can also find out more about being a hydrologist from The Geological Society.

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