Employment of hydrologists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth and environmental concerns, especially global climate change, are expected to increase demand for hydrologists in the future.
As the population grows, a greater strain will be placed on the nation’s water resources. More hydrologists will be needed to help develop plans to meet increased demand while preserving water supplies for future generations. For example, as the population expands into places that were not previously inhabited, hydrologists will be needed to examine the risk of flooding and to assess the availability of water for new communities.
More hydrologists will be needed to assess the threats that global climate change poses to local, state, and national water supplies. For example, changes in climate affect the severity and frequency of droughts and floods. Hydrologists will be needed to develop comprehensive water management plans that address these and other problems linked to global climate change.
Hydrologists with computer modeling experience are expected to have the best opportunities in the future.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition