Hydrologists
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.
AI Impact Summary
Hydrologists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 32/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 50% of all analyzed occupations. Of 26 analyzed tasks, 3 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Hydrologists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
Machine Learning Specialization
by Stanford / DeepLearning.AI
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan University
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Design Patterns in C# and .NET
by Pluralsight
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
26 tasks analyzed
Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 57.5Observed | 50.0% | 5% | |
| Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters. | 55Observed | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 5% | |
| Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 4% | |
| Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies. | 45Estimated | 45.0% | 3% | |
| Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. | 44.75Observed | 67.1% | 3% | |
| Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% | |
| Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. | 60Estimated | 39.0% | 3% | |
| Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences. | 53.85Observed | 48.5% | 3% | |
| Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 3% | |
| Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 3% | |
| Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 3% | |
| Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions. | 64.05Observed | 74.8% | 3% | |
| Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 31.7%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$92,060
per year
Mean Wage
$98,130
per year
Employment
6K
workers
Wage Range
$60,010 - $139,420
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Explore other career paths
Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsRange Managers
25%Median salary: $67,950
Higher risk than 18% of other occupations
Civil Engineers
28%Median salary: $99,590
Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Agricultural Engineers
29%Median salary: $84,630
Higher risk than 33% of other occupations
Environmental Engineers
29%Median salary: $104,170
Higher risk than 34% of other occupations
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
30%Median salary: $109,660
Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Soil and Water Conservationists
32%Median salary: $67,950
Higher risk than 50% of other occupations
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
32%Median salary: $80,060
Higher risk than 51% of other occupations
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
33%Median salary: $101,020
Higher risk than 57% of other occupations
Geodetic Surveyors
34%Median salary: $72,740
Higher risk than 61% of other occupations
Environmental Engineering Technicians
37%Median salary: $58,890
Higher risk than 71% of other occupations
Sales Managers
25%Higher risk than 20% of other occupations
Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Computer and Information Systems Managers
31%Higher risk than 45% of other occupations
Financial Managers
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Hydrologists professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Memorization
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Persuasion
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change