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Average Hydrologists Salary in California

Hydrologists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $119,540, significantly surpassing the national average of $107,260. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for water resource management expertise, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $119,540 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $167,340.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 670 Hydrologists and a Location Quotient of 1.0, California's job market for this profession mirrors the national concentration. While not indicating hyper-specialized demand, this stable presence suggests a consistent need for hydrological expertise across various sectors within the state, from environmental consulting to public works.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$119,540

The average Hydrologists in California earns+11.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.5

Weekly

$2,299

Monthly

$9,962

Hydrologists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Hydrologists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles, characterized by extensive project management, specialized knowledge, and leadership, command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career progression opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$72,550$34.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$89,655$43.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$118,960$57.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$149,425$71.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$167,340$80.5

Detailed Hydrologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$119,540

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,310

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $119,540 in California must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is reduced compared to the national average. Professionals relocating to California should anticipate higher expenses for housing, transportation, and everyday goods, which the elevated salary aims to offset.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

0.037

Per 1K Jobs

1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.00, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Hydrologists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.0 for Hydrologists in California indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is precisely at the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned. It implies that while opportunities exist, the market is not overly saturated, nor is it experiencing exceptionally high demand compared to other regions nationwide.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Hydrologists

CitySalaryDist.
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Hydrologists Salary$106,410↓ 11%64 mi

Comparing salaries near California

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Hydrologists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Hydrologists in California is $119,540. This typically ranges from $72,550 for entry-level positions to $167,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 11.4% higher than the national median of $107,260.

Is California a lucrative place for Hydrologists?

Yes, California offers lucrative opportunities for Hydrologists.The state boasts an average annual salary significantly above the national average, reflecting strong demand and the higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Hydrologists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($106,410) and others.

What is the average salary for a Hydrologist in California?

The average annual salary for a Hydrologist in California is $119,540, which is higher than the national average.

How does California's cost of living affect a Hydrologist's salary?

California's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, meaning expenses are 38.5% higher than the national average. The higher salary is intended to compensate for these increased costs.

Is the job market for Hydrologists strong in California?

The market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 1.0, indicating a concentration of Hydrologists similar to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.

How many Hydrologists work in California?

There are approximately 670 Hydrologists employed in California, representing a notable segment of the state's scientific workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.037 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Hydrologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California