Career Explorer Science
Changing shape
Hydrologic technicians
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 13% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by -1.3% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on creative vision.
AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.
- Median pay (2025)
- $64,790
- Job growth to 2035
- -1.3%
- Openings a year
- 400
- People doing it (2025)
- 3,000
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Present research or technical information
- Gather information from physical or electronic sources
- Communicate environmental or sustainability information
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practices
- Analyze environmental or geospatial data
- Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as improved processes, software, and technology reduce the need for some technicians.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Life scientists, all otherGrows with AI, Index 30, +6.3%
- ChemistsGrows with AI, Index 34, +6.4%
- HydrologistsChanging shape, Index 14, +1.5%
- Zoologists and wildlife biologistsGrows with AI, Index 25, +3.6%
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.