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.
Survey Researchers
SOC: 19-3022 O*NET: 19-3022.00
Median Salary
$63,380
per year
Job Growth
📉 -5.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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 does a Survey Researchers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,950
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,110
25th percentile
Median
$63,380
50th percentile
Experienced
$85,370
75th percentile
Top Earners
$118,730
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,950
25th
$46,110
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$63,380
Mean: $73,470
75th
$85,370
90th
$118,730
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,780 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,110 and $85,370
- •Salary spread is 61.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 7,720 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:8,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services60.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services60.9%
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services35.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-5.2%
Annual Openings:700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)8,800
Current
2034 (Projected)8,300
-5.2%
-500
Employment Change
-5.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Survey Researchers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 32 locations
California
1,090 jobs$77,1801.21x
Georgia
830 jobs$48,8003.41x
Texas
810 jobs$36,9501.17x
Maryland
420 jobs$90,1903.08x
New York
370 jobs$82,5500.77x
North Carolina
260 jobs$76,9901.07x
Illinois
250 jobs$92,5200.81x
Nebraska
230 jobs$61,9604.43x
Missouri
210 jobs$51,6801.42x
Iowa
180 jobs$77,8302.35x
Kansas
180 jobs$60,3802.48x
Washington
160 jobs$64,1600.92x
Tennessee
160 jobs$55,9501.00x
District of Columbia
140 jobs$96,6704.07x
Connecticut
130 jobs$66,2201.55x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Mathematics
66%
#7
Active Learning
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Mathematics
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Learning
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Cost Estimators100%
5 shared skills
Accountants and Auditors82%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Budget Analysts82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Active Learning
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Survey Researchers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechPerl
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Tableau
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Extensible markup language XML
Oracle PeopleSoft
C++
Oracle Java
Perl
Python
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)General Responsibilities (4)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (4)Management & Supervision (2)Training & Development (2)
1
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision79% perform86%
9
Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform84%
10
Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Survey Researchers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Survey Researchers professionals typically have a ICE Holland code and highly value independence
IInvestigative
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Survey Researchers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.73
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.58
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.54
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.35
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.23
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Integrity
4.5
Dependability
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Cooperation
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Initiative
4.0
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Survey Researchers.
Browse Training Programs →