Hydrologists Salary in Columbus, OH

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Hydrologists in Columbus, OH have a median annual salary of $98,200, with 170 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $63,000 at the 10th percentile to $131,960 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$98,200

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$47.21

Employment

170

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$63,000
10th
$75,280
25th
$98,200
Median
$110,030
75th
$131,960
90th

Local compared with national

Columbus, OH

$98,200

Median annual · 2025

United States

$96,600

Median annual · 2025

The Columbus, OH median is 1.7% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,600).

Top skills

  1. 1.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.1
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.9
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  4. 4.MathematicsImportance 3.9
  5. 5.ScienceImportance 3.9
  6. 6.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9
  7. 7.WritingImportance 3.8
  8. 8.SpeakingImportance 3.8
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.8
  10. 10.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8
  11. 11.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.5
  12. 12.MonitoringImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Advanced Logic Technology WellCAD
  • Amtec Engineering Tecplot
  • Argus ONE Open Numerical Environments
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D
  • Autodesk Land Desktop
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Bentley Systems gINT
  • Biodegration flow and transport modeling software
  • BOSS International Visual Groundwater
  • C++
  • Carlson SurvCADD

Common tasks

  • Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
  • Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
  • Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
  • Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
  • Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
  • Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
  • Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
  • Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
  • Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
  • Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Hydrologists salary in other locations

Other occupations in Columbus, OH