Survey researchers
SOC Code: 19-3022Also known as:
Analytic Methodologist, Bilingual Field Interviewer, Data Analyst, Data Collection Specialist, Data Collector
Median Annual Salary
$63,380
-5.2% growth (2024-2034)
700
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Survey researchers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$63,380
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
700
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,800
Projected Employment (2034)
8,300
Related Careers
Management analysts
$101,190 •
+8.8% growth
Statisticians
$103,300 •
+8.5% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Social science research assistants
$58,040 •
+4.4% growth
Statistical assistants
$51,440 •
-2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
- Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Survey researchers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a survey researchers:
Economics, General
21,627 degrees awarded •
659 colleges offer this program
Statistics, General
7,709 degrees awarded •
202 colleges offer this program
Business Statistics
5,396 degrees awarded •
96 colleges offer this program
Business/Managerial Economics
4,583 degrees awarded •
193 colleges offer this program
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
1,929 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Applied Statistics, General
572 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Applied Economics
368 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Marketing Research
200 degrees awarded •
30 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Survey researchers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become survey researchers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do survey researchers make?
The median annual salary for survey researchers is $63,380.
What education do survey researchers need?
Most survey researchers positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Economics, General, Statistics, General, Business Statistics.
Is becoming survey researchers a good career choice?
Survey researchers is projected to see -5.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for survey researchers?
Top colleges for aspiring survey researchers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Irvine, Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to survey researchers?
Survey researchers may also be known as: Analytic Methodologist, Bilingual Field Interviewer, Data Analyst, Data Collection Specialist, Data Collector, Field Collector, Field Data Collector, Field Interviewer, Field Representative, Interviewer, Market Survey Representative, Pollster, Proctor, Research Associate, Research Fellow, Research Interviewer, Research Scientist, Retail Data Collector, Screening Field Interviewer, Survey Analyst.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.