Life As a Survey Researcher
Example of Survey Researcher Job 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.
What Do Survey Researchers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
- Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
- 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.
- Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.
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Survey Researcher Skills
Survey Researchers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Survey Researcher Jobs
- Research Associate
- Survey Research Analyst
- Research Interviewer
- Market Survey Representative
- Survey Director
Survey Researcher Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 14,600 jobs for Survey Researcher in 2016. 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.
Salary for a Survey Researcher
The typical yearly salary for Survey Researchers is somewhere 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Survey Researchers
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 education or degrees do I need to become a Survey Researcher?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Survey Researcher?

Who Employs Survey Researchers?

The table below shows the approximate number of Survey Researchers employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Survey Researcher may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Survey Researcher sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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