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Average Hydrologists Salary in Washington

Hydrologists in Washington earn an average annual salary of $102,530, which is slightly below the national average of $107,260. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state, including its specific environmental challenges, regulatory landscape, and the demand for water resource management expertise.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $102,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $149,870.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 Hydrologists, Washington presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 2.02 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized ecosystem for water resource professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$102,530

The average Hydrologists in Washington earns-4.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$49.3

Weekly

$1,972

Monthly

$8,544

Hydrologists Salary Distribution in Washington

The salary trajectory for Hydrologists in Washington typically shows a significant increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start in the lower percentiles, while senior Hydrologists with extensive project management and specialized expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and proven track record.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$70,790$34
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$76,898$37
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$100,000$48.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$128,163$61.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$149,870$72.1

Detailed Hydrologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$102,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$89,079

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

A nominal salary of $102,530 in Washington needs to be considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, suggests that while the absolute salary is competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat reduced due to higher living expenses in the state.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.075

Per 1K Jobs

2.02

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 2.0x the national concentration of Hydrologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.02 for Hydrologists in Washington signifies a market where these professionals are more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment, where employers actively seek out talent with specific regional knowledge and experience.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Hydrologists

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Hydrologists Salary$117,720↑ 15%42 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Hydrologists Salary$88,870↓ 13%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Hydrologists make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Hydrologists in Washington is $102,530. This typically ranges from $70,790 for entry-level positions to $149,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 4.4% lower than the national median of $107,260.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Hydrologists?

Yes, Washington offers a competitive salary for Hydrologists.The average salary of $102,530 is substantial, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.02) indicates strong local demand for their expertise.

Is Washington a good place to live for Hydrologists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($117,720) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.

How does Washington's Hydrologist salary compare to the national average?

Hydrologists in Washington earn an average of $102,530 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $107,260.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.02 mean for Hydrologists in Washington?

A Location Quotient of 2.02 means that Hydrologists are more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for these professionals in the state.

How does the cost of living in Washington affect a Hydrologist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. This means that the $102,530 salary may have less purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

What is the total number of Hydrologists employed in Washington?

There are approximately 270 Hydrologists employed within Washington state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.075 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 Washington