Do you want to be a scientist while also enjoying frequent travel and exploring nature? Do you enjoy analyzing and examining things? Do you want to work for the environment?
Here is a simple 4 steps guide about how to become a hydrologist, along with educational requirements and salary potential in various countries.
Who is a Hydrologist
A hydrologist is a scientist who studies surface and underground water properties. They understand how water behaves beneath and above ground. They examine water samples for quality and ensure that water is distributed and circulated to keep the world clean and healthy.
Learn more: How to become a Meteorologist
How to become a Hydrologist (4-step guide)
Step 1: Stream to select
To become a Hydrologist, you must choose a science stream that includes physics, chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB).
Step 2: Educational Requirements
After graduating from high school, you can pursue the courses listed below to become a Hydrologist.
Courses to become a Hydrologist in India after 12th
The duration of the courses mentioned below is 3-4 years.
- B.Sc in Hydrologist
- B.Sc in Geology
- B.Sc in Earth Sciences
- B.Tech Geosciences Engineering
- B.Tech in Environmental Engineering
- B.Tech Civil Engineering
- Top Colleges for becoming Hydrologists
College | Location |
IIT | Roorkee |
IIT | Kharagpur |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai |
Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune |
National Institute of Hydrology | Roorkee |
Amity University | Noida |
St.Stephen College | Delhi |
Andhra University | Vishakhapatnam |
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai |
Anna University | Chennai |
Also read: How to become a Zoologist
Courses abroad to become a hydrologist after 12th
The duration of the course below is 4 years.
- BS in Geoscience
- BS in Hydrology and Atmospheric Science
- BS in Hydrogeology
- BS in Ocean Engineering
- BS in Earth Science
- BS in Hydrology
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- Top Colleges for Hydrologists
College | Location |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | US |
University of Oxford | UK |
Harvard University | US |
University of Liverpool | UK |
University of Michigan | US |
University of Arizona | US |
University of California | US |
University of Toronto | Canada |
University of Texas | US |
University of Minnesota | US |
Step 3: Certificate Courses
- Certificate course in Hydrology
- Certificate course in Hydrogeology
- Certificate course in Ground Water Geophysics
- Certificate course in Artificial Recharge to Groundwater
- Certificate course in GIS
Step 4: Job Preparation
- Internship
You can work as an intern for a Hydrologist to gain the required skills and experience to become a Hydrologist. It will also help you decide what type of work you want to do after you graduate.
- Portfolio Creation
To advance your knowledge in the field, engage in some research and hydrology courses. In order to present yourself as a strong candidate for the job, include your internship experience in your profile and become board certified.
6 Skills needed to become a Hydrologist
- Critical thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Computer Skills
- Observational Skills
- Communication Skills
- Writing Skills
Salary of a Hydrologist
Salary in India
An average salary of a Hydrologist in India is ₹22 lakhs per annum.
Salary Abroad
Country | Average Salary |
US | $95,678 |
UK | £33670 |
Canada | $67788 |
Australia | $79280 |
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Top Recruiters in India
- The Geological Survey of India
- National Institute of Hydrology
- Central Government
- State Government
- National Water Supply and Drainage Board
- Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government
- Municipal Corporations
Top Recruiters Abroad
- Federal Government
- State Government
- The Turner Corp
- Board of Water Supply
- Bureau of land management
- U.S. Geological Survey
Read more: Career as a Psychologist – Your Career Guide!
Becoming a Hydrologist necessitates determination and a long-term commitment to studies. Best wishes on your path to becoming a Hydrologist.
FAQs about how to become a Hydrologist
Where do hydrologists get paid the most?
Hydrologists get paid the most in Silver Spring, Oklahoma City, and San Francisco.
How can I become a hydrologist after 12th?
Complete your 12th grade in science, then pursue a B.Sc in Hydrology and a Master’s degree in the same field to become a Hydrologist.
What is the course for hydrologists?
You can pursue the following courses;
B.Sc in Hydrologist
B.Sc in Geology
B.Sc in Earth Sciences
B.Tech Geosciences Engineering
B.Tech in Environmental Engineering
B.Tech Civil Engineering
How do I become a hydrologist in Australia?
To become a hydrologist in Australia, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geophysics, environmental sciences, or earth sciences, followed by a master’s degree in a related field.
How many years does it take to become hydrology?
It takes 5 years after the 12th to become a Hydrologist.
Is a hydrologist an engineer?
There are hydrologists who are Hydrology engineers, Environmental Science engineers, and Civil engineers but not all Hydrologists are engineers.
Are hydrologists in demand?
With the deterioration of environmental conditions and society’s efforts to become more conservation-minded, the demand for hydrologists is expected to rise in the near future.
Do hydrologists travel a lot?
Many hydrologist jobs necessitate travel to collect water samples and examine them in order to produce a report.
What is a water scientist called?
They are called Hydrologists. A hydrologist is a scientist who studies surface and underground water properties They understand how water behaves beneath and above ground.