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Job outlook for water resources engineers in the United States
Are water resources engineer jobs in demand?
Water resources engineer job and salary trends over time
Water resources engineer jobs over time
Water resources engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 928 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,093 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,156 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,154 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,145 | 0.00% |
Average water resources engineer salary over time
Water resources engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,432 | $38.67 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $77,585 | $37.30 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $76,503 | $36.78 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $75,787 | $36.44 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $74,119 | $35.63 | +0.4% |
Water resources engineer jobs by state
Most common states for water resources engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 272 | 39% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 155 | 16% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 958 | 11% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 591 | 11% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 67 | 11% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 730 | 10% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 659 | 10% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 418 | 10% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 135 | 10% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 536 | 9% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,078 | 8% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 559 | 8% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 448 | 8% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 234 | 8% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 157 | 8% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 136 | 8% |
| 17 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 60 | 8% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 57 | 8% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 909 | 7% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 231 | 7% |
Most common cities for water resources engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelmsford | 3 | 9% | $86,098 |
| 2 | Bloomington | 2 | 3% | $74,784 |
| 3 | Noblesville | 2 | 3% | $66,557 |
| 4 | Allentown | 2 | 2% | $76,462 |
| 5 | Champaign | 2 | 2% | $74,784 |
| 6 | Peoria | 2 | 2% | $74,748 |
| 7 | Denver | 9 | 1% | $79,902 |
| 8 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $86,275 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $66,429 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $79,710 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $71,159 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $87,572 |
| 13 | Bellevue | 1 | 1% | $87,934 |
| 14 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $98,739 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $85,254 |
| 16 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $80,154 |
| 17 | Tucson | 2 | 0% | $84,853 |
| 18 | Virginia Beach | 2 | 0% | $79,181 |
| 19 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $85,149 |
Water Resources Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of water resources engineer experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
Lawrence University
American University
University of New Hampshire
Washington State University
New Mexico State University
Utah State University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Elon University
Tarleton State University
Montana State University - Bozeman
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
University of Delaware
Chatham University
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Our degree allows students to obtain their GSP as well as sit for a number of certification exams, like the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Having these credentials may set them apart from others as well as boost their salary potential from the start.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Employers are looking for a well-rounded engineer or specialist. They want to see individuals that have the technical area knowledge and also the capability to communicate, work on a team, problem solve, and project manage.
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Stentor Danielson: Remember that if a company is advertising a job, that means they need you (and your skills and energy and talents) as much as you need them, so don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. Talk to other people in similar roles (at your company and elsewhere) to make sure you're not getting a raw deal.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Stentor Danielson: Environmental jobs can be some of the most important and rewarding ones out there as our society goes through this crucial moment of transition to a more sustainable future. We need people with all different skill sets and interests to make it happen.
Simona Trandafir
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program DirectorUniversity of Rhode Island
Environmental/Natural Resources Management And Policy
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Simona Trandafir: I recommend focusing on sectors and roles where the demand for environmental expertise is growing, such as sustainable energy, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies. Gaining certifications in various fields such as environmental impact assessment, energy management and sustainability reporting can be beneficial. Also, consider roles that involve economic analysis of environmental policies or management of natural resources, as these tend to offer higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Building a strong professional network and pursuing opportunities in larger, economically diverse cities or regions can also lead to higher salary prospects.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simona Trandafir: In the next few years, there may be a growing emphasis on skills related to data analysis and modeling due to the increasing availability of environmental data. Proficiency in tools for spatial analysis and environmental simulation software will be highly desirable. Additionally, skills in sustainability reporting and green finance will become more prevalent as businesses and governments will focus more on sustainable practices and investments. Also, effective communication skills, particularly in translating complex ecological and economic data to various stakeholders, will remain desirable.
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Scott Rowland: If I knew that... I think collecting images with drones and processing drone data (including Lidar) will become more important. In Hawai‘i, knowledge of hydrology and coastal processes will /remain/ important.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Scott Rowland: (in no particular order) Be willing to learn new skills on the job, and make sure to /not /say you can do something that you actually cannot do. Be willing to take jobs that involve travel or working overtime. Turn reports in on time, better yet before on time. If you know/see that a colleague is having trouble with a task, ask if they would like a hand and if they say no, leave it at that. Listen more than you speak. Get to work (including job sites) on time with all the proper tools, supplies, and PPE. /Wear/ your PPE, even if others aren't.
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, focus on developing specialized skills that are in high demand but low supply within the field, such as expertise in renewable energy systems or advanced waste treatment technologies. Gaining certifications relevant to these areas can also be beneficial. Furthermore, demonstrating your impact through quantifiable achievements and taking initiative in key projects can position you for promotions and higher salary opportunities.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: As you progress with your career in environmental engineering, my primary advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The field is dynamic, with regulations and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, engage in professional development opportunities, and cultivate a network of peers and mentors. This proactive approach enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to contribute effectively to your workplace and community.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analysis and technological proficiency, particularly in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental modeling software, will become important. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management will be essential as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and require the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be open to taking short-term jobs for a few years to get a sense of the range of career opportunities in environmental sciences and which match your skills and temperament best. Think creatively about how your interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences can be applied even in fields that are not obviously 'environmental' - e.g. city/regional government, transportation, healthcare, etc. All human activities are embedded within and dependent on the natural environment. Also, the habit of 'systems thinking' that is central to environmental science can be applied to complex human systems.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Marcia Bjornerud: Capacity to apply concepts from chemistry, biology and geosciences to 'wicked' (complex, entangled) environmental problems. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing large data sets. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Honestly, I don't think most people get into Environmental Science with the goal of maximizing their salary potential. Nor do I think this field is the best choice if that's your top concern. I think it's important to take stock of your financial goals (for example, saving for retirement, buying a house, being able to travel), put together a realistic budget (perhaps with the help of a financial advisor), and see what income you need. Then you can look for jobs in that range. It's important to realize that budgeting, saving, investing and avoiding needless spending are just as important to financial health as maximizing your salary.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Computer skills (coding, data science, software design) as well as very human skills that can't be replicated by AI.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Malley Jr: Some of this is market driven by the type of employer (public versus private), the location of the job (major metropolitan area versus a more rural or smaller city), etc. In the foreseeable future due to Environmental Engineering becoming popular around 1970 there are many people approaching retirement age (“the silver tsunami”) so jobs will likely be plentiful which will help. So, to maximize starting salaries you will want to do your homework and study the different employers, regions, etc. to see what salary ranges are realistic. Then pursue the opportunities that have the higher starting salaries if that is your priority (clearly an Environmental Engineer working for a major industry such as gas and oil will have a higher starting salary offer than one working for municipal governments) and also carefully interview the firms when they invite you to interview to find out how they handle things like overtime, bonuses, salary review frequency, etc.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. James Malley Jr: There is general agreement that “Big Data” will continue to be a major emphasis so learning the use of python or similar will be important. No doubt AI/ML will impact the Environmental Engineering field so becoming more familiar with AI/ML, specifically how it is used as well as recognizing when it is being used effectively and when it is being used incorrectly or producing results that are unrealistic and impractical. As your career advances in the next 3-5 years you will also find the soft skills already mentioned as well as developing better management and leadership skills will be important because surely by year 5 others will be working for you and you will be managing them.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Henning: My advice to students is keep a beginners' mind as they learn their particular job. I always encourage students to seek out a mentor in their position and to ask questions and say yes when they are asked to volunteer for temporary roles that might help them learn more about their employer and the career paths available to them. I also encourage them to connect to other WSU graduates as Cougs love to help other Cougs.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Holly Henning: To maximize salary potential, an employee needs to first demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and the ability to work on diverse teams. Employees that demonstrate their ability to contribute their unique expertise to a multi-disciplinary team are more likely to be involved with other learning opportunities. We encourage employees to continue their education by being involved in associations, working with our extension and research programs and field days and exploring ways to build their network and opportunities. In some careers, the ability to proactively represent an employer on social media and help others to see how great it is to work for their company can help them into higher paying positions.
Geno Picchioni
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Geno Picchioni: BE TRAINABLE, OPEN-MINDED, AND APPROACHABLE. REMEMBER WHAT GOT YOU HERE: HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE, DEDICATION, COLLEGIALITY. HONOR YOUR SUPPORT FAMILY.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
What Water Resources Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Humanity today faces tremendous environmental challenges - chemicals in our water and air are causing major health problems, climate change is leading to increased disaster events, and biodiversity loss is at an all time high. Being an environmental designer allows people to address these challenges head on. It also gives people a chance to make other people's lives more livable, healthier, and happier.
What will help Water Resources Engineers increase their earning potential?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Environmental designers work at the intersection of natural processes and human systems. One key part of that job is to bring natural systems into cities and neighborhoods. For example, an environmental designer would be the on in charge of street trees for a city. Another key part of environmental design is making sure that natural processes such as flooding does not negatively impact people. This involves understanding how a river flows and what areas are dangerous for development. Enviornmental designers also need to ensure that when people build cities, homes, or infrastructure they do not negatively impact natural areas. This often involves designing stormwater infrastructure. Environmental design is a highly interdisciplinary area of work and requires collaboration with many other professionals. Environmental designers will often work with urban planners, architects, landscape architects, transportation planners, civil engineers, etc. Ultimately they stive to design and implements solutions that enhance the quality of a space for people while having minimal impacts on ecosystems.
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Bryan Gentry: We've found we get better responses over email than the phone because it gives you some time to think about it.
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Carol Boggs PhD: Environmental engineers may be involved in designing or evaluating waste water systems. These can include urban waste water treatment systems, or managing run-off, flooding, coastal sea water incursions, etc. Environmental engineers may also work on landscape restoration projects, designing plans to adjust water flow through an ecosystem. Daily work may include both on-site field evaluations and office work.
Will Pluer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EngineeringElon University
Physics & Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Water Resources Engineer resumes?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Sampling, modeling, and/or designing skills indicate that you know how to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real work situations. Technical writing skills are also broadly applicable.
What soft skills should all Water Resources Engineers possess?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Within the job, time management is probably the most important. An employer will be impressed if you're finishing work before your deadlines. To get the job in the first place, professionalism is very important. Submit a clean and attractive resume with your application and then show up to an interview dressed for the job.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Water Resources Engineers?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Software skills are useful entering a new job. You may need to learn new software for the company, but it will be much easier once you know the basics of how coding, design, and spreadsheet programs work. These skills are also broadly applicable whether you seek a job in consulting, government, research, etc.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Water Resources Engineer resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Water Resources Engineers?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Familiarity with relevant regional, state, and federal regulations and compliance measures is critical for environmental engineers. Knowledge of environmental site assessments and remediation programs is a useful technical skill as well. On the project management side, skills such as preparing cost estimates and permit applications are important. Whereas earlier, many consulting firms would hire draftspersons to prepare design drawings and specifications, it is expected that the engineers perform these tasks these days - therefore, experience and proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD or Microstation or Civil 3D, and ArcGIS is imperative.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Water Resources Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the pandemic is affecting those entering the crop consulting market. Usually, this a very social job, and with the pandemic social distancing is having a significant but not overwhelming impact. Our Crop Science program at MSU usually is very integrated with ag industries, and these connections are taking a real blow during the pandemic. Hopefully, when things calm down, these programs will flourish once again.
What skills stand out on Water Resources Engineer resumes?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: For our graduates, the hottest subjects are those involving GIS/GPS and remote sensing. Global information systems are powerful tools for improving input efficiencies and, combined with small sensing systems, allow growers to manage an ever-expanding and complex industry.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Water Resources Engineers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Alan Dyer Ph.D.: Our graduates find jobs over a surprisingly large area of the United States but primarily in the West. From Texas to Washington and California to Michigan, our students are finding abundant.
Michele Serrano
Recruiter and Program CoordinatorNorth Carolina State University
Department of Forest Biomaterials
What general advice would you give to a Water Resources Engineer?
Michele Serrano: General advice (straight from one of our valued employers - Mohawk Industries) for graduates beginning their career:
Your first job might not be your DREAM career, but more of a stepping stone. With each assignment, you are stacking skills and honing precisely what you like and dislike. So every opportunity is meaningful, in some way. We also advise that it's essential to find a good boss or mentor, even more than a "good" company.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Water Resources Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frederik Laleicke Ph.D.: Natural and sustainable materials play an essential role in creating modern, human-centered environments and will be of increasing importance in the future. Over the past decades, industrial processes have been improved to produce high performing and reliable products from natural resources. The challenges lie in preserving the natural variability that makes biomaterials, such as wood, appealing, and staying within standards, safety margins, and product specifications. The advanced technology employed will require fewer, but more knowledgeable, workers and managers that understand the capabilities and limitations of the produced technical processes and products.
An excellent example of where these challenges have been solved using modern technologies is mass timber. Large wooden panels are premanufactured in semi-automated processes, and CNC technology cuts each of them to an exact fit. Relatively new in the U.S., mass timber engineering, manufacturing, and use are currently being fine-tuned to meet the requirements of growing markets. In future years, the design-for-disassembly will move into focus when end-of-life considerations for wood-based construction draw more attention.
These developments offer numerous opportunities for employees with diverse skillsets, such as engineers, technologists, analysts, and marketing/business experts. However, they all have in common an in-depth understanding of sustainability concepts and a sense of environmental responsibility. Whatever the specialty of our graduates, they will match one of many different roles in the economy of sustainable materials.
Jack Puleo Ph.D.
Professor and ChairUniversity of Delaware
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
What are the best companies to work for a Water Resources Engineer?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: Best can be arbitrary. Overall, the job market seems strong with positions in oil companies, government, and the engineering industry.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Water Resources Engineers in the next 5 years?
Jack Puleo Ph.D.: I believe there will be an increase.
Dr. Thomas Macagno Ph.D.
Program Director of SustainabilityChatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and Environment
What experience really stands out on Water Resources Engineer resumes?
Dr. Thomas Macagno Ph.D.: Sustainability is like any other field. Prospective employers like to see students have hands-on experience. Practical experience means students can get up to speed more quickly in the job. Students engage in a wide range of hands-on activities at Chatham, including GIS, Product Management, and Field sampling.