How much does a market researcher make?

In the United States, pay varies with experience, education, location, and industry. A master’s degree is often needed for technical research or leadership roles.

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255), “Art Directors” (27-1011), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), and “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031).

What's a typical day like?

An analyst may build a survey, sort sales and customer data, and use software to spot what shoppers like. Then they turn the clues into charts or a report and explain them to the marketing team.

In the U.S., a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, or social science is the usual path; classes in statistics and research methods help. Internships or volunteer research help, and certification is optional.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.

Market researchers can study huge piles of social-media comments and online product reviews to learn what people like—not just ask them in surveys.