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The differences between hydrologists and water engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a hydrologist, becoming a water engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a water engineer has an average salary of $98,752, which is higher than the $92,871 average annual salary of a hydrologist.
The top three skills for a hydrologist include water resources, data collection and surface water. The most important skills for a water engineer are infrastructure, cost estimates, and GIS.
| Hydrologist | Water Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,871 | $98,752 |
| Hourly rate | $44.65 | $47.48 |
| Growth rate | - | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 6,175 | 8,851 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A hydrologist studies the water systems' dynamics in the Earth's crust and uses the data to solve water maintenance issues, water scarcity, water management, water quality, and environmental effects on water systems. These professionals analyze concerns related to hydroelectric power plants, local water projects, and dam safety. Besides measuring water pollution levels, hydrologists also conduct fieldwork to gather soil samples and water samples. They determine water flow, water volume, and PH levels by measuring water properties.
A water engineer is responsible for performing a wide range of duties. They supply, manage and maintain both wastewater and clean water services to avert flood damage. They are in charge of preparing environmental documents for regulatory program compliance, water resources, fieldwork, data analysis, and management. They also provide technical direction to various technical personnel such as junior engineers, computer-aided design technicians, and other technicians.
Hydrologists and water engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hydrologist | Water Engineer | |
| Average salary | $92,871 | $98,752 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $135,000 | Between $69,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Silver Spring, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Shell | Chevron |
| Best paying industry | - | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a hydrologist and a water engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hydrologist | Water Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Geology | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between hydrologists' and water engineers' demographics:
| Hydrologist | Water Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 0.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 5.7% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 13.1% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 13% |