📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hydrologist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$125,358
per year
Median
$118,258
per year
Hourly
$60.27
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$82,971
25th Percentile — Junior$106,543
50th Percentile — Median$118,258
75th Percentile — Senior$159,580
90th Percentile — Top Earners$179,343
💡 Top-earning Hydrologists in California make up to $179,343 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$103.0k
2021
$107.2k
2022
$111.4k
2023
$115.9k
2024
$120.5k
2025
$125.4k
2026
📈 Hydrologist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hydrologist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $194,305 +55.0% High
San Diego $185,530 +48.0% High
San Jose $215,616 +72.0% High
San Francisco $231,912 +85.0% High
Fresno $135,387 +8.0% High
Sacramento $152,937 +22.0% High
Long Beach $181,769 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $135,387 +8.0% High
Anaheim $178,008 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $175,501 +40.0% High
Riverside $160,458 +28.0% High
Stockton $147,922 +18.0% High
Irvine $194,305 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $147,922 +18.0% High
Modesto $140,401 +12.0% High
Fontana $152,937 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $144,162 +15.0% High
Glendale $185,530 +48.0% High
Fremont $200,573 +60.0% High
🔍
Hydrologist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Hydrologists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $125,358 per year, California's Hydrologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $82,971–$106,543, while experienced Hydrologists can command $159,580–$179,343.

Looking ahead, the Hydrologist profession in California is projected to grow at 4.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Hydrologist salary in California is $125,358 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $88,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Hydrologists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Hydrologist employment.
  • At $125,358/year, California Hydrologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $88,280/year.