Hydrologists Salary in California

Hydrologists in California earn the most in San Jose (average $149,180 a year) and the least in Sacramento ($112,230), across the 5 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the hydrologists average at $122,940 and the median at $122,110 for 540 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $103,600.

Hydrologists average salary by city in California

San Jose$149,180
San Francisco$142,450
Los Angeles$130,070
Riverside$112,990
Sacramento$112,230

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Jose	$149,180	$142,640	$122,110	$103,449	110
San Francisco	$142,450	$147,080	$111,540	$99,475	116
Los Angeles	$130,070	$123,420	$88,810	$92,164	114
Riverside	$112,990	$126,820	$90,100	$81,902	106
Sacramento	$112,230	$106,860	$95,620	$81,438	107

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Hydrologists salary in other states

Hydrologists salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2043.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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