What You Need to Know About Survey Researcher
Position 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: What Do They Do?
- Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
- Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
- Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
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Qualities of a Survey Researcher
Survey Researchers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Survey Researcher Jobs
- Survey Methodologist
- Survey Research Center Director
- Research Associate
- Proctor
- Survey Associate
Job Outlook 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. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Survey Researcher Average Salary
Survey Researchers make between $29,620 and $103,400 a year.

Survey Researchers who work in Maryland, North Carolina, or New York, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Survey Researchers in different U.S. states.
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 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
How do I Become a Survey Researcher?
What education is needed to be a Survey Researcher?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Survey Researchers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Survey Researchers work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Survey Researcher might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Survey Researcher in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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