AITakeover Tracker
32%medium risk

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.

Green Increased DemandHigher risk than 50% of occupations

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)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

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 Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Persuasion80%

Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Negotiation85%

Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

AI-Augmented Skills (7)

Critical ThinkingWritingActive LearningMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTechnology Design

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Hydrologists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

Courseraintermediate

Machine Learning Specialization

by Stanford / DeepLearning.AI

~10 weeks$49/mo4.9Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Mathematics

Estimated Impact

-7.8pt risk+$5K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Coursera

Creative Writing Specialization

by Wesleyan University

~8 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Writing

Estimated Impact

-5.4pt risk+$5K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Pluralsightadvanced

Design Patterns in C# and .NET

by Pluralsight

20 hours$29/mo4.6
Strengthens resilience: Complex Problem Solving

Estimated Impact

-2.2pt risk+$3K/yr salary

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

Bachelor's Degree39%
Master's Degree4%
Doctoral/Professional Degree52%
Level 124%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None9%
3-6 months5%
6 months - 1 year32%
1-2 years18%
2-4 years23%
4-6 years14%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

Up to 1 month14%
1-3 months14%
3-6 months32%
6 months - 1 year27%
1-2 years5%
2-4 years9%

How AI Impacts Each Task

26 tasks analyzed

Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.

Risk: 50.0%AI: 57.5ObservedTime: 5%

Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 6%

Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.

Risk: 86.0%AI: 92EstimatedTime: 4%

Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 4%

Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.

Risk: 23.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 5%

Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 5%

Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 5%

Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 55ObservedTime: 5%

Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 4%

Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 5%

Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 4%

Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.

Risk: 51.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 4%

Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 4%

Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 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.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 4%

Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 45EstimatedTime: 3%

Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.

Risk: 67.1%AI: 44.75ObservedTime: 3%

Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.

Risk: 21.0%AI: 15EstimatedTime: 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.

Risk: 39.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 3%

Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 55EstimatedTime: 3%

Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.

Risk: 48.5%AI: 53.85ObservedTime: 3%

Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 3%

Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 3%

Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 3%

Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.

Risk: 74.8%AI: 64.05ObservedTime: 3%

Prepare reports or presentations describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 80EstimatedTime: 2%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 31.7%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

IntegrityAnalytical ThinkingAttention to DetailDependabilityInitiativeAchievement/EffortCooperationPersistenceInnovationAdaptability/FlexibilityIndependenceStress Tolerance

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

$60,010Median: $92,060$139,420
Career Planning

Explore other career paths

Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.

Alternate Career Paths

See all transitions

Range Managers

25%
Low Risk

Median salary: $67,950

Higher risk than 18% of other occupations

Civil Engineers

28%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $99,590

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Agricultural Engineers

29%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $84,630

Higher risk than 33% of other occupations

Environmental Engineers

29%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $104,170

Higher risk than 34% of other occupations

Industrial Safety and Health Engineers

30%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $109,660

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Soil and Water Conservationists

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $67,950

Higher risk than 50% of other occupations

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $80,060

Higher risk than 51% of other occupations

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

33%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $101,020

Higher risk than 57% of other occupations

Geodetic Surveyors

34%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $72,740

Higher risk than 61% of other occupations

Environmental Engineering Technicians

37%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $58,890

Higher risk than 71% of other occupations

Sales Managers

25%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 20% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

28%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 45% of other occupations

Financial Managers

Subscribed — always updated

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

+0.9

overall change

Checking for existing plan...