How much does a Principal Hydrologist make in the United States?
-
The average Principal Hydrologist salary in the United States is $143,056 as of August 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Principal Hydrologist positions (listed below) typically falls between $123,207 and $162,906. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Principal Hydrologist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Hydrologist III | $109,319 | $52.56 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Hydrologist IV | $142,646 | $68.58 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Hydrologist I | $75,349 | $36.23 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Hydrologist II | $93,339 | $44.87 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Senior Hydrologist | $65,540 | $31.51 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Principal | $124,690 | $59.95 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| School Principal | $124,677 | $59.94 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Assistant Principal | $102,400 | $49.23 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Principal Accountant | $219,836 | $105.69 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Principal Investigator | $101,521 | $48.81 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
-
Hydrologist III studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water across surface and subsurface environments to inform resource management and environmental protection efforts. Collects and analyzes field data on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, erosion, and water quality using specialized instruments and sampling techniques. Being a Hydrologist III develops hydrologic models to forecast water availability, flood risk, and the impacts of land use or climate variability. Prepares technical reports, maps, and recommendations to guide decisions on water supply, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, Hydrologist III advises engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies on compliance with environmental standards and water resource regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Hydrologist III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Hydrologist III typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Hydrologist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hydrogeologist III
-
Hydrologist IV studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water across surface and subsurface environments to inform resource management and environmental protection efforts. Collects and analyzes field data on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, erosion, and water quality using specialized instruments and sampling techniques. Being a Hydrologist IV develops hydrologic models to forecast water availability, flood risk, and the impacts of land use or climate variability. Prepares technical reports, maps, and recommendations to guide decisions on water supply, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, Hydrologist IV advises engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies on compliance with environmental standards and water resource regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Hydrologist IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Hydrologist IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Hydrologist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hydrogeologist IV
-
Hydrologist I studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water across surface and subsurface environments to inform resource management and environmental protection efforts. Collects and analyzes field data on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, erosion, and water quality using specialized instruments and sampling techniques. Being a Hydrologist I develops hydrologic models to forecast water availability, flood risk, and the impacts of land use or climate variability. Prepares technical reports, maps, and recommendations to guide decisions on water supply, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, Hydrologist I advises engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies on compliance with environmental standards and water resource regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Hydrologist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Hydrologist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Hydrologist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hydrogeologist I
-
Hydrologist II studies the distribution, movement, and quality of water across surface and subsurface environments to inform resource management and environmental protection efforts. Collects and analyzes field data on precipitation, streamflow, groundwater levels, erosion, and water quality using specialized instruments and sampling techniques. Being a Hydrologist II develops hydrologic models to forecast water availability, flood risk, and the impacts of land use or climate variability. Prepares technical reports, maps, and recommendations to guide decisions on water supply, drainage, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, Hydrologist II advises engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies on compliance with environmental standards and water resource regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Hydrologist II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Hydrologist II typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Hydrologist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hydrogeologist II
-
The Principal is responsible for developing and mentoring the staff, reviewing faculty performance, and creating a positive learning environment. Directs and oversees education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Being a Principal requires a master's degree in education. Ensures the curriculum meets state standards and addresses the specific needs of their students. In addition, Principal typically reports to a superintendent. The Principal typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Working as a Principal typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Principal SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Headmaster, Primary/Secondary School Principal
-
School Principal directs and oversees education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Responsible for developing and mentoring the staff, reviewing faculty performance, and creating a positive learning environment. Being a School Principal ensures the curriculum meets state standards and addresses the specific needs of their students. Requires a master's degree in education. Additionally, School Principal typically reports to a superintendent. The School Principal typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a School Principal typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View School Principal SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Headmaster, Primary/Secondary School Principal, Principal
-
The Assistant Principal coordinates school activities and ensures that budgetary guidelines are met. Assists the school principal in the management of education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Being an Assistant Principal requires a bachelor's degree. May help in developing the curriculum, staffing, reviewing faculty performance, and creating an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits. In addition, Assistant Principal typically reports to a school principal. The Assistant Principal manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as an Assistant Principal typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required. View Assistant Principal SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Assistant School Principal, Assistant Headmaster, School Assistant Principal
-
In Canada and the United States, the term principal investigator (PI) refers to the holder of an independent grant administered by a university and the lead researcher for the grant project, usually in the sciences, such as a laboratory study or a clinical trial. The phrase is also often used as a synonym for "head of the laboratory" or "research group leader." While the expression is common in the sciences, it is used widely for the person or persons who make final decisions and supervise funding and expenditures on a given research project. A co-investigator (Co-I) assists the principal investigator in the management and leadership of the research project. There may be a number of co-investigators supporting a PI. View Principal Investigator Salary