Water Resource Engineer

Design and manage water supply, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure projects to ensure sustainable water resource management in the context of climate change, population growth, and regulatory requirements. Conduct hydrological analyses, develop water balance models, design green infrastructure and low-impact development solutions, and manage water permit applications. Support climate adaptation planning for water utilities and municipalities.

Median salary: $100,000. Projected growth to 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - driven by infrastructure investment and climate adaptation. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $100,000
Entry-level: $65,000 - $82,000
Senior: $148,000+
Growth by 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - driven by infrastructure investment and climate adaptation
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 55% Team / 45% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: Varies by State
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $30,000 - $60,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Hydrological Modelling (HEC-HMS / SWMM / MIKE)
Water Balance & Drought Analysis
Green Infrastructure & LID Design
NPDES Stormwater Permit Compliance
Water Supply System Hydraulic Analysis (EPANET)
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Water Systems

Soft skills

Technical Problem-Solving
Analytical Thinking
Written Communication
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement

Technical complexity: High

Typical career path