GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician — Federal Salary & Workforce Data (2026)
Federal Hydrologic Technician — GS-1316. The verified average salary for GS-1316 Hydrologic Technicians is $76,031/year (OPM FedScope, 2026). Data from 1,349 non-redacted OPM records (April 2026).
Salary Source: OPM Federal Workforce Data (EHRI Snapshot, April 2026) • Records included: 1,349 • Redaction rate: 4.6%
GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician — Pay at a Glance
Salary and workforce snapshot from OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot, April 2026.
The GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician series showed 1,349 non-redacted federal employees in the April 2026 OPM snapshot. The verified average salary is $76,031/year (OPM FedScope, 2026). Use our GS Pay Calculator for your exact salary by grade, step, and location.
Salary = base pay + locality pay; excludes benefits. REDACTED records (OPM data release policy) are excluded from averages. Pay plan: General Schedule (GS). View occupation salary detail on OPM FedScope →
GS-1316 Employment Overview
| Metric | Value | Source & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Series Salary | $76,031 | OPM EHRI Snapshot (April 2026). 1,349 non-redacted records. Base + locality pay; excludes benefits. |
| Non-redacted records (sample size) | 1,349 | OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot, April 2026. REDACTED records excluded per OPM data release policy. |
| Redaction rate | 4.6% | OPM redacts salary records for privacy-sensitive positions (DoD, law enforcement, intelligence). FedTools suppresses series averages when redaction exceeds 20%. |
| Pay plan(s) | General Schedule (GS) | Primary pay plan(s) used for this occupational series in the federal government. |
| Typical grades | GS-4 to GS-9 | Most common grade range for this series. Actual assignment depends on the position description and agency. |
| Locality pay | 17.06% – 46.34% | Varies by duty station across 58 OPM pay areas. Rate x base pay = locality supplement. Included in the average salary above. |
| Pay cap (2026) | $197,200 | Executive Schedule Level IV. Applies to GS employees whose locality-adjusted salary would exceed this amount. Title 38 and special pay plans may exceed this cap. |
Top Agencies Employing GS-1316 Hydrologic Technicians
Based on OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot (April 2026). Actual grade, step, and locality assignment varies by position and location.
- →U.S. Geological Survey (USGS / Interior)
- →Bureau of Reclamation (Interior)
- →Army Corps of Engineers (DoD)
Key Duties — GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician
Representative duties for the 1316 occupational series based on OPM classification standards. Specific responsibilities vary by position and agency.
- →Streamflow measurement using wading rods, cables, and ADCP equipment
- →Stream gauge installation, maintenance, and data transmission
- →Groundwater well measurement and water quality sampling
- →Data processing, QA/QC, and upload to National Water Information System
- →Field safety and remote site access in flood conditions
About the GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician Series
Hydrologic Technicians are the field workforce of the USGS National Streamflow Network, physically measuring water levels and streamflow at thousands of gauges nationwide. Distinct from Hydrologists (GS-1315), who hold professional degrees and perform analysis; technicians typically enter with an associate degree or relevant technical experience. The $76,031 average — between GS-7 and GS-9 — reflects the paraprofessional field nature of the work. USGS stream gauges provide real-time data for NWS flood forecasts, drinking water management, and drought monitoring across the country.
Calculate Your Exact GS-1316 Salary
Your actual pay depends on your GS grade, step, and duty station locality. Use our free calculator for an instant, accurate result.
GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician?
The verified average salary for the GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician series is $76,031 as of 2026, based on OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot data (1,349 non-redacted records; 4.6% redaction rate). Use our GS Pay Calculator to find your exact pay by grade, step, and duty station.
What GS grades apply to the 1316 series?
The GS-1316 Hydrologic Technician series typically spans GS-4 to GS-9. Actual grade assignment depends on the position description, agency, and your qualifications. Use our GS Pay Calculator to look up the exact salary for any grade, step, and locality.
Which agencies employ GS-1316 Hydrologic Technicians?
The largest federal employers of GS-1316 Hydrologic Technicians include: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS / Interior), Bureau of Reclamation (Interior), Army Corps of Engineers (DoD). These figures are based on the OPM EHRI Employment Snapshot (April 2026).
How is federal pay determined for GS-1316 positions?
Federal civilian pay for GS positions = Base Pay (by grade and step) × (1 + Locality Rate). The GS table has 15 grades (GS-1 through GS-15) and 10 steps per grade. Locality adjustments range from 17.06% (Rest of U.S.) to 46.34% in San Jose–San Francisco. Use our GS Pay Calculator for an instant result.
Do GS-1316 federal employees receive FERS retirement benefits?
Yes, most GS-1316 positions qualify for the full federal benefits package: FERS pension (1–1.1% × High-3 Salary × Years of Service), TSP with up to 5% agency match, FEHB health insurance (government pays ~70% of premium), FEGLI life insurance, and FEDVIP dental/vision. Use our FERS Retirement Calculator to estimate your retirement income.
Other Federal Job Series Pay Pages
Salary data and workforce details for every GS occupational series in our database.
Data Accuracy Notice (YMYL): Salary figures are from the OPM Federal Workforce Data portal (EHRI Employment Snapshot, April 2026). The annualized_adjusted_basic_pay field captures base pay + locality pay under all pay plans (GS, Title 38, special rates). REDACTED records are excluded per OPM data release policy. FedTools publishes series-specific averages only when the non-redacted sample is representative (redaction ≤ 20%, n ≥ 50). This page does not constitute financial or career advice. Always verify current pay rates with your agency HR office and OPM.gov.