How much does a water technician make?

In the U.S., experience and extra training or certifications can matter, as can whether you work for a federal agency, a power company, local government, or a private firm. Location matters too, and field jobs may have irregular hours.

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. Excludes “Hydrologists” (19-2043).

What's a typical day like?

They travel to rivers, wells, or gauges, check instruments, measure water levels and flow, and collect samples. Back in a lab or office, they prepare samples for testing and check or organize the data.

In the U.S., a common route is an associate degree or about two years of college in applied science or a related technology; some technical jobs prefer a bachelor's. Employers then train new workers hands-on with field and lab tools.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

In winter, some U.S. hydrologic technicians drill holes through frozen rivers and measure the water flowing underneath to calculate streamflow.