What is a Survey Researcher?
Position Description 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.
Life As a Survey Researcher: What Do They Do?
- Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Featured schools near , edit
Survey Researcher Skills
When polled, Survey Researchers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Survey Researcher Job Titles
- Research Interviewer
- Interviewer
- Recruiter
- Research Assistant
- Survey Researcher
Survey Researcher Job Outlook
There were about 14,600 jobs for Survey Researcher in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.1% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Survey Researcher by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Survey Researcher are Tennessee, Colorado, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in District of Columbia, Ohio, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Survey Researcher Make?
The average yearly salary of a Survey Researcher ranges between $29,620 and $103,400.
Survey Researchers who work in Maryland, North Carolina, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Survey Researchers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alaska | $59,270 |
Arizona | $53,660 |
California | $75,150 |
Colorado | $69,530 |
Connecticut | $51,740 |
Delaware | $61,890 |
District of Columbia | $73,690 |
Hawaii | $36,920 |
Illinois | $57,560 |
Indiana | $59,300 |
Kansas | $51,640 |
Kentucky | $57,050 |
Louisiana | $45,210 |
Maine | $56,890 |
Maryland | $90,920 |
Massachusetts | $64,950 |
Michigan | $64,400 |
Minnesota | $62,870 |
Missouri | $52,450 |
Nebraska | $34,230 |
Nevada | $35,410 |
New Jersey | $76,040 |
New Mexico | $39,010 |
New York | $74,130 |
North Carolina | $80,960 |
Ohio | $59,510 |
Oregon | $71,580 |
Pennsylvania | $60,810 |
Tennessee | $45,240 |
Texas | $60,460 |
Utah | $53,020 |
Virginia | $59,410 |
Washington | $66,150 |
Wisconsin | $48,010 |
Wyoming | $71,050 |
What Tools & Technology do Survey Researchers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Survey Researchers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- R
Becoming a Survey Researcher
What kind of Survey Researcher requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Survey Researchers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Survey Researchers employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Survey Researcher may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Survey Researcher sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |