How much does a survey researcher make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and education, the employer (such as a research firm, school, or polling organization), location, and how complex or responsible the surveys are. Hours can affect total pay too; most researchers work full time on regular business schedules, and no license or certificate is required.

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. Excludes “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists” (13-1161) and “Statisticians” (15-2041).

What's a typical day like?

They meet with clients, research a topic, and write and test clear questions before organizing interviewers or online responses. Then they use statistics at a computer to check the answers and turn the results into charts or a report.

In the U.S., most survey researchers earn a master's degree in survey research, statistics, marketing, or a social science; some start in entry-level jobs after a bachelor's degree. College internships help, and no license or certification is required.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized.

Survey researchers do not always have to ask everyone: they can use statistics to check whether a sample represents the whole group.