Science
Survey researcher
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Median pay
$69,460
Growth to 2035
−5%
declining
Openings a year
600
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Survey researcher
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Survey researcher: 23% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
- Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
- Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
Also called: Data Analyst · Market Survey Representative · Research Associate · Research Fellow · Research Interviewer · Research Scientist · Survey Methodologist · Survey Researcher
Outlook and AI
Survey researchers held 9,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 9,300 by 2035 (−5%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change - share decreases as data collection increasingly occurs via mobile technologies and automated techniques.
Compare with
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