Survey Researchers
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
- Doing it now
- 9,800
- By 2035
- Down 4.8%
- Usually needs
- Master's degree
a year
across the country
600 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- 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.
- Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
- Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- MarketingSee 864 colleges that teach it
- EconomicsSee 807 colleges that teach it
- Management Sciences and Quantitative MethodsSee 365 colleges that teach it
- Social Sciences, GeneralSee 348 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Analytical and curious
Organised and precise
Leading and persuading
Careers like this one
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $69,460 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.