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What Does it Take to Be a Survey Researcher?

Survey Researcher Job Description 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.

Life As a Survey Researcher

  • Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
  • Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
  • Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
  • Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
  • Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
  • Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.

What a Survey Researcher Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Survey Researchers say are important on the job.

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.

  • Proctor
  • Telephone Interviewer
  • Field Interviewer
  • Survey Statistician
  • Market Survey Representative

Is There Going to be Demand for Survey Researchers?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of a Survey Researcher

The salary for Survey Researchers ranges between about $29,620 and $103,400 a year.

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Survey Researchers who work in Maryland, North Carolina, or New York, make the highest salaries.

How much do Survey Researchers make in each U.S. state?

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

What Tools & Technology do Survey Researchers Use?

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 kind of Survey Researcher requirements are there?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Survey Researchers Work

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Below are examples of industries where Survey Researchers work:

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Survey Researcher might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as a Survey Researcher sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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